Nujaba demands expulsion of US forces after joint US-Saudi strikes on PMF

In a statement issued on Wednesday, hours after American and Saudi jets struck Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) sites across several Iraqi provinces, killing at least 20 resistance fighters, the Hezbollah al-Nujaba group condemned the US-Saudi assault on Iraqi cities. The group asserted that the attack "proved that the two governments respect neither Iraq's sovereignty nor any prior commitments," and vowed that Washington and Riyadh would pay a heavy price.

The Nujaba group directed five demands at the Iraqi government and official bodies. First, they called for the expulsion of US forces and the closure of bases and headquarters tied to what they termed the American occupation, arguing that their presence threatens Iraq's security and stability. Second, they demanded an end to every form of cooperation with the Saudi government, which they accused of funding terrorism against Iraq. Third, they urged moving beyond statements of condemnation, which they said only embolden the attackers, and responding directly. Fourth, they called for acquiring advanced air-defense systems to protect Iraqi airspace and holding accountable those they blamed for leaving the country's skies exposed. Fifth, they warned that they would not allow Iraqi territory to be targeted without imposing a high cost on the interests and security of the United States and Saudi Arabia.

According to the Iraqi local news website Shafaq News, Hadi al-Amiri, secretary-general of the Badr Organization, another armed faction within the PMF, demanded that the government take a firm and decisive stance. Additionally, Secretary-General of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Qais al-Khazali, stated that attacking an Iraqi security force on Iraqi soil constitutes "a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty," warning of "serious consequences." He also stressed the need to complete the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraqi territory while strengthening the country's defensive capabilities.

The joint US-Saudi aggression on PMF bases in different provinces in Iraq resulted in the martyrdom of as many as 20 resistance fighters and injuries to 32 others, according to the Mehr News Agency report.