Iraq’s CF decries Saudi-US airstrikes, demands firm response

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) on Wednesday condemnedthe joint Saudi-US strikes on Iraqi territory, urging the government to take afirm response.

During an emergency meeting attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi,the CF described the air raids as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty andterritorial integrity, as well as a breach of international law and the UnitedNations Charter.

“The military action came as Baghdad was pursuing a balanced foreignpolicy and strengthening cooperation with regional and international actors,”the alliance stated, warning that such operations could complicate efforts toreduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.

A source familiar with the discussions informed Shafaq News that CFleaders were considering submitting a protest memorandum to an internationalcourt over the incident.

Earlier today, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a state securityorganization that includes several Iran-aligned armed groups, reported that atleast 20 of its personnel were killed and 32 others wounded in the Saudi-USstrikes.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that US and Saudi warplanes carriedout precision strikes on weapons depots and logistics sites in eastern Iraqbelonging to Iran-backed armed organizations accused of carrying out recentattacks on US forces and Saudi infrastructure.

The military operation followed Saudi allegations that Iran-backed Iraqigroups launched drones targeting energy installations inside the Kingdom. Thefactions rejected the accusations, while Yemen’s Houthi Movement (Ansarallah)claimed responsibility for the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities.

Prime Minister al-Zaidi later canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia. ...