Airstrikes on Iraq s Shi ite PMF site kill 15 including Anbar commander

Airstrikes hit a site belonging to Iraq’s Shi’ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Anbar province, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 fighters, including the commander of PMF operations in Anbar, Saad al-Baiji. Additionally, around 30 others were reported injured, according to security and health officials who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday morning. The PMF confirmed the death of al-Baiji and his 14 companions. They accused the United States of conducting the attack, stating that a U.S. airstrike targeted a command center while personnel were present. Health officials noted that some of the injured are in serious condition, suggesting the death toll could increase. The airstrikes occurred during a security meeting that included high-ranking commanders, as stated by the sources. The PMF, referred to in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi, is a coalition of mostly Shi’ite paramilitary groups that was officially integrated into Iraq's state security forces and includes several factions that are aligned with Iran. Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran in February, Tehran-backed armed groups have attacked U.S. bases in Iraq, raising concerns about a potential regional escalation. The conflict has extended beyond Iran, with Tehran attacking Israel and Gulf Arab nations hosting U.S. military bases, while Israel has responded with strikes in Lebanon following attacks from Iran-aligned Hezbollah.