Flag-draped coffins fill Najaf after deadly Iraq strikes
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds attended the funeral of 12 PMF members in Najaf.
- Iraqi media said at least 20 PMF members were killed in the strikes.
- Iraq approved new security measures after the attacks.
Mourners gathered at the Imam Ali Shrine as Iraq approved new security measures following airstrikes that targeted Popular Mobilization Forces sites across the country.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in the Iraqi city of Najaf on Thursday to pay their final respects to 12 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) who were killed in recent US-Saudi airstrikes across Iraq.
Footage showed crowds performing funeral prayers in the outer courtyard of the Imam Ali Shrine before carrying coffins draped in Iraqi and Iranian flags through the city.
According to Iraqi media, the strikes targeted PMF-linked sites across Iraq, killing at least 20 members and injuring 32 others as of the time of publication.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out precision strikes inside Iraq alongside the Saudi Armed Forces. It said the operation targeted Iran-backed militants who were allegedly preparing attacks on US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure.
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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted several drones targeting oil facilities over the previous two days. The ministry said the strikes inside Iraq were launched in response to those attacks.
The ministry added that the Kingdom "does not seek escalation", but warned it would respond to any aggression.
Following the strikes, Iraq's Ministerial Council for National Security held an emergency meeting and approved a broad security plan aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty, maintaining security and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten neighbouring states.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
