Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has criticized what he described as “insolent militias” following deadly airstrikes that targeted positions of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), saying their actions continue to put Iraqi security personnel at risk.
In a statement published on Thursday, Al-Sadr said the failure to place all weapons under state control had contributed to the deaths of PMF members and Iraqi security forces. He also criticized leaders of armed groups for remaining silent while others paid the price for their actions.
His remarks came a day after joint US and Saudi strikes targeted PMF sites in Baghdad and five other Iraqi provinces.
The PMF said at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others injured in the attacks, adding that the casualty figures remain preliminary and could increase.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted Iran-aligned groups accused of carrying out attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Saudi Arabia said the operation was launched in response to drone attacks on the Kingdom that it attributed to Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq, stressing its right to defend its territory and deter further attacks.
Al-Sadr also urged the Iraqi government to strengthen security, enforce national sovereignty and prevent armed groups from drawing Iraq into wider regional conflicts. He warned against attempts by extremist groups to exploit the current tensions and called for peace and dialogue among neighboring countries.
The Iraqi government condemned the strikes on PMF positions and announced a new security plan aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks against neighboring states.
