Jump to content

2026 United States–Israeli strikes on Iraq

Edit links
Extended-protected article
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2026 United States–Israeli strikes on Iraq
Part of the 2026 Iran war and the Middle Eastern crisis
Date28 February 2026 – present
(3 months and 5 days)
Location
Iraq and Syria (occasional spillovers)
Status

Ongoing

  • Iran-backed militias strike US bases in Iraq in response to the US attacks on Iran
  • Air raids on pro-Iranian militias targets in Iraq
Belligerents
United States
Israel
Saudi Arabia[a]
Kuwait[b]
CFIK[c]
Commanders and leaders
United States Donald Trump
United States Pete Hegseth
Israel Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel Tomer Bar
Saudi Arabia Salman
Kuwait Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
 Iran Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani
Iran Esmail Qaani
Falih Al-Fayyadh
Qais Khazali
Akram al-Kaabi
Ali Hassan al-Furaiji  †
Abu Ali al-Askari  †
Saad Daway al-Baiji  †
Abu Taha al-Turkmani  †
Yasin Muhammad Sadiq  †
 Iraq Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani
Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani
Iraq Saad Dawai †
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Units involved
Casualties and losses
 United States:
1 MQ-9 drone shotdown

 Popular Mobilization Forces:

  • per Badr Organization (as of March 19th):
    • 60 fighters killed, 100 wounded[10]
  • per other PMF sources (as of April 10th):
    • 80 fighters killed, 270 wounded[11]
 Iraq 10 Iraqi soldiers (killed in USAF airstrikes)
3 Iraqi policemen (two killed in USAF airstrikes and one killed in a PMF attributed drone attack)

Following the outbreak of the 2026 Iran war on 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes targeting several Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrellas in Iraq. At least several dozen Iraqi militiamen have been reported dead so far from attacks on militia headquarters, checkpoints, ammunition dumps, and private residences of senior commanders. PMF and IRI militias retaliated by lobbying rockets and drones at U.S. and Kurdish bases. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had also conducted airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.[12]

On 7 April, the Iraqi government reported that the U.S. conducted 138 attacks in Iraq, resulting in the deaths of 73 PMF members, ten Iraqi army soldiers, three Iraqi Federal Police officers, and six civilians. Among those killed by the airstrikes was General Saad Dawai, the commander of the Iraqi Armed Forces' Anbar Operations Command.[13]

Background

See also: Attacks on US bases during the Gaza war
See also: 2026 Iranian strikes on the Kurdistan Region

The U.S. has called for the disarmament of Iran-backed militias in Iraq and designated some of them to be terrorist organisations.[14] Several of these are part of the mostly Shia Muslim Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), funded by the government of Iraq. The PMF were established in 2014 after the Islamic State invasion of Iraq routed the regular Iraqi army and had an important role in regaining territory alongside the U.S. campaign. After the defeat of the ISIS in 2017, Iraq did not demobilize the PMF, which have grown to a size of 238,000 members and US$3.6 billion in funding.[15] PMF militias launched strikes at U.S. forces in Iraq after the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel in 2023, but these declined from 2024 until the outbreak of the 2026 Iran war.[15]

Iran accused the U.S. of interfering in the November 2025 Iraqi parliamentary election.[16] Iraqi foreign minister Fuad Hussein claimed that the US put six Iran-backed militias on a "prohibited" list and to be excluded from the next government.[17] The Shia Muslim-dominated Coordination Framework, a coalition of parties partially supported by Iran but opposed to the prominent Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr,[14] won the largest number of seats and thus gained the right to nominate the prime minister. The U.S. criticized its decision to nominate Nouri al-Maliki, who is perceived as being close to Iran and its allies in Iraq.[18]

Timeline

Plains clothed PMF militiamen[19] and their civilian supporters gathered on March 1st near American Embassies in Baghdad to protest the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Clashes were reported between pro PMF protesters and Iraqi security forces.[20]

On March 3rd, an unidentified airstrike striking a PMF base in Kirkuk killed 6 fighters.[21] Rumors of an American fighter plane shot down by anti aircraft fire over Basra also emerged on Iraqi social media through PMF channels, which reportedly led to Iraqi Police searching for the allegedly downed pilot.[22] However, such claims were denied by United States Central Command through their official Twitter account,[23] and any evidence for the purported incident has yet to surface.

A senior Kata'ib Hezbollah commander identified as Abu Hassan Al-Fariji was among the fatalities killed by air strikes conducted on March 4th.[24] On March 11th, an airstrike targeting a PMF building killed 20 militiamen and civilians in Akashat.[25]

The United States responded to the attacks by targeting Iran-aligned groups, including several factions part of the PMF.[26][27] Sites targeted included PMF positions in Mosul,[28] the Nineveh Plains,[28] Kirkuk,[26] and Al Anbar Governorate.[26] Some of the strikes were described as "intense" and resulted in the deaths of at least 30 PMF fighters, while several others were wounded.[26] Some of those killed in Kirkuk were reportedly members of the Turkmen Brigades within the PMF.[28]

A MQ-9 Reaper drone operated by the United States Air Force was shot down by PMF fighters over Basra on March 9th.[29]

On March 14th, an unidentified drone struck a helipad in the Embassy of the United States, Baghdad.[30] In return, American airstrikes targeted several Kata'ib Hezbollah linked sites and killed an unnamed senior leader described by PMF sources as a "key figure" and at least another fighter.[31]

Other airstrikes killed Rahif Ali Qasim, a Badr Organization commander from Lebanon and overseer of PMF missile systems, in his residence. Unofficial sources reportedly close to the PMF also allegedly announced the slaying of Kata'ib Hezbollah secretary general Abu Hussein al-Muhammadawi.[32]

An airstrike on March 16 killed four PMF fighters manning a checkpoint near Al-Qa'im, Al Anbar Governorate. PMF officials attributed the attack to the United States Air Forces.[33] Kata'ib Hezbollah also reported the killing of its spokesperson and security officer, Abu Ali al-Askari, from airstrikes targeting PMF headquarters.[34][35] An unidentified drone believed to have been launched by pro Iranian militias struck the Royal Tulip Al Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad. Although Iraq officials claimed that the Al-Rasheed Hotel sustained damage, they denied that any casualties were suffered from the attack.[36]

Airstrikes on March 18 targeting a command headquarters in Kirkuk killed at least three PMF fighters belonging to the 45th Brigade.[37] Kata'ib Hezbollah officials proposed five conditions, including the cessation of Israeli Defense Force (IDF) operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the halting of American air strikes against residential areas in Iraq, and the removal of CIA operatives from Iraq beyond Kurdistan Region areas in exchange for halting attacks against embassies.[38] Only hours after Kata'ib Hezbollah's announcement of a ceasefire proposal, American airstrikes struck many PMF positions in Nineveh and killed at least two fighters.[39] Four more PMF fighters affiliated with Asaib Ahl al-Haq were reportedly seriously wounded from those attacks.[40] Other PMF factions, most notably Kata'ib Sayyid ul-Shuhada, announced a commitment in pursuing further hostilities against the United States and Israel.[41]

According to local Assyrian sources, the Iraqi Army’s 16th Division was deployed to take over positions held by the PMF's 30th Brigade in the Nineveh Plains to diffuse tensions with the United States.[42]

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met with PMF leaders in their headquarters on March 19th, and reaffirmed support for the paramilitary coalition as a “fundamental component of [Iraq's] national security system.” He also condemned foreign airstrikes on PMF positions as a "violation of Iraq's sovereignty."[43] On March 24th, the Ministerial Council for National Security officially granted PMF factions permission to retaliate against airstrikes against them.[44]

A base in Baghdad operated by Harakat al-Nujaba was also reportedly targeted by an airstrike, though PMF sources asserted that the attack only caused "material damage."[45] Airstrikes conducted in the Saladin Governorate struck positions held by the PMF's 6th Brigade. Iraqi officials at the scene reportedly declined to give any causality figures and closed off the affected areas.[46][47]

IRI aligned militias claimed responsibility for 27 attacks against American bases in a 24 hour period on March 21st.[48] A drone attack loosely attributed to the PMF struck an Iraqi government operated National Intelligence Service headquarters and killed a police officer.[49]

PMF sources claim that American and Israeli warplanes struck positions held by the PMF's 15th Brigade in Anbar and North Tigris on March 23rd. Although the PMF admitted to significant damage to their headquarters and logistical assets, it initially reported that no human casualties were suffered from the attacks.[50] Later reports emerged that at least 14 PMF fighters and a senior commander were killed by the airstrikes in Anbar.[51]

Airstrikes targeting a joint Iraqi army and PMF base in Anbar on March 24th killed at least seven Iraqi soldiers and wounded thirteen more survivors. Iraqi officials alleged that the base's healthcare facility was specifically targeted.[52] Among those killed were General Saad Dawai, the commander of the Iraqi Armed Forces' Anbar Operations Command, and his chief of staff.[13]

Between March 23rd and March 25th, PMF factions announced that they were expanding their attacks to American bases in Syria. However, US forces withdrew from many of the targeted bases mid January due to the 2026 northeastern Syria offensive, and handed them over to the Syrian Transitional Government.[53] Iraqi authorities later announced the arrest of at least four suspects allegedly responsible for the attacks on Syrian bases.[54]

Other airstrikes conducted in March 26th targeted an Anbar base occupied by the PMF's 13th Brigade, and wounded at least three fighters.[55] Another wave of airstrikes in Kirkuk on that same day struck tribal fighters linked to the PMF's 61th Brigade.[56]

On March 27th, the Syrian Army reported that their units shot down an unidentified drone attempting to attack the Al-Tanf base.[57] Syrian sources asserted that the drone was launched from Iraq.

A day later, airstrikes targeting PMF positions near the Kirkuk International Airport killed at least three fighters and two Iraqi policemen.[58]

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped by gunmen linked to Kata'ib Hezbollah[59] in Baghdad on March 31st. Iraqi officials reported that security forces captured one of the suspected kidnappers, though the other reported perpetrators remain at large.[60] On April 7th, Kata'ib Hezbollah announced Kittleson's release on the condition of her departure from Iraq.[61]

In early April, Iranian media outlets reported the mass mobilization of PMF factions on the Iraqi-Iranian border. Some of the reports claimed that PMF convoys crossed into Iran and were allegedly deployed to reinforce Basij positions against American and Israeli attacks.[62] American airstrikes also allegedly targeted PMF convoys crossing into Iran, which reportedly led Iraqi officials to close border crossings into Iran.[63]

A series of airstrikes in Western Nineveh killed Yasin Muhammad Sadiq, who was a commander of the PMF's 53rd Brigade, on April 1st. PMF sources also reported another fighter was killed while accompanying Sadiq and four more were wounded.[64]

On April 4th, airstrikes targeting PMF positions near the Syrian-Iraqi border killed at least one Kata'ib Hezebollah fighter. PMF sources also reported four more fighters were also wounded by the attack.[65] Other airstrikes targeted PMF bases near Baghdad and Mosul.[66]

On April 5th, at least five airstrike struck PMF bases and other positions in Saladin province.[67] Other airstrikes targeted a PMF base affiliated with Kata’ib al-Imam Ali in Kirkuk.[68]

An engineering site operated by the PMF inside Camp Ashraf was attacked by warplanes on April 7th. Due to the loss of communications in areas surrounding Camp Ashraf, the number of casualties and damages caused by the bombings currently remain unknown.[69] Airstrikes in Basra targeting farms privately owned by Kata'ib Hezbollah leadership killed a senior commander and two other individuals.[70]

In accordance with the Iranian-American ceasefire declared on April 7th, PMF and IRI aligned factions announced a halting of their military operations.[71] Despite the official ceasefire declaration, a team of American diplomats were reportedly ambushed by PMF gunmen in Baghdad a day later. In response to the attack, the United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau summoned Iraqi ambassadors.[72]

On April 10th, PMF factions sponsored a 40th day anniversary for Khamenei's assassination. During a ceremony in the Dhi Qar Governorate, Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi Al-Amiri and his entourage were accosted and interrupted by hostile tribesmen while he was trying to give a speech. Badr Organization militiamen and tribal fighters engaged in a gun battle, which forced Al-Amiri to flee for his safety. Casualties from the clashes currently remain unknown.[73]

Reports emerged on May 10th that Israel covertly constructed an outpost in a remote desert area of Western Iraq during the height of the 2026 Iran War.[74] According to sources allegedly close to Israeli officials, the IDF established the outpost as a hub to support aerial sorties against Iran and rescue any downed Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilots. IAF planes reportedly bombed Iraqi army units that discovered the outpost.[75] In response to the reports, PMF factions announced on May 12th they were sweeping Najaf and Karbala deserts for any IDF bases.[76]

On May 15th, an Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, was arrested in Turkey for alleged Kata'ib Hezbollah ties.[77] According to the United States Justice Department, al-Saadi was an operative of a Kata'ib Hezbollah and Quds Force cell involved in plotting terrorist attacks against Jewish sites in North America and Europe. A federal court in the United States indicted al-Saadi for alleged plots against a Jewish synagogue in New York City.[78] al-Saadi is also accused by American and European authorities of stabbing a pair of Jewish men in London, setting a North Macedonian synagogue on fire, bombing a Bank of New York in Amsterdam, and attempting to bomb a Bank of America in Paris.[79]

On May 28th, a car bomb killed Uday Muhsin al-Halfi, a PMF commander and senior leader of Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, in southern Maysan. PMF sources reported that the bomb was planted inside al-Halfi's personal vehicle, and its detonation wounded another fighter described as al-Halfi's brother accompanying him.[80] Although the perpetrators have yet to be identified, the PMF blamed the attack on Israel and the United States.[81]

Notes

  1. ^ Reuters reported that the Saudi Air Force struck Iranian-backed Iraqi militias near the Iraq–Saudi Arabia border around the time of the 7 April ceasefire.[1]
  2. ^ According to The Wall Street Journal, Kuwait launched attacks on Iranian-backed Iraqi militias from its own territory.[2] Iraqi officials reported that there were at least two rocket attacks from Kuwaiti territory, though Reuters could not confirm whether it was the Kuwaiti Armed Forces or the U.S. military that were responsible.[3]
  3. ^ See 2026 Iranian strikes on the Kurdistan Region and 2026 Kurdish–Iranian crisis

References

  1. ^ Azhari, Timour; Rasheed, Ahmed; Pamuk, Humeyra. "Exclusive: Saudi warplanes struck militias in Iraq during war, sources say". reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
  2. ^ "Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Hit Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  3. ^ Azhari, Timour; Rasheed, Ahmed; Pamuk, Humeyra. "Exclusive: Saudi warplanes struck militias in Iraq during war, sources say". reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
  4. ^ "Syria on full alert after PMF cross-border strike". Shafaq News. 23 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Targeted assassinations bring Iran-Israel-US war to Baghdad's streets". Amwaj Media. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  6. ^ "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq Warns Foreign Strikes Could Draw Iraq Into "New War"". Kurdistan24. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  7. ^ "Iraq's Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Al-Nujaba join Iran in war against US, Israel". Shafaq News. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  8. ^ Frantzman, Seth (15 March 2026). "Iran-backed militias escalate drone attacks on US, Kurdistan targets in Iraq". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  9. ^ "Macron says officer killed in Iraq as pro-Iran group vows to target French interests". France24. 13 March 2026. Archived from the original on 14 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  10. ^ "US-Israeli Strikes Kill 60 PMF Members, Injure 100, Hadi Amiri Says". Kurdistan24. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  11. ^ "Iraq's paramilitary PMF says about 80 members killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes". English News. 10 April 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
  12. ^ "Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Hit Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  13. ^ a b Rosen, Nir (9 April 2026). ""It seems like blind American ignorance": The New U.S. War on Iraq". Drop Site News. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  14. ^ a b "How Iraq's vote will shape the next phase of US-Iran competition". Middle East Institute. Nov 18, 2025. Retrieved Dec 20, 2025.
  15. ^ a b Schenker, David (8 April 2026). "Iraq Is at Another Crossroads with Iran-Backed Militias—and Washington". Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  16. ^ "Iran condemns interference in Iraqi elections". The New Region. Nov 10, 2025. Archived from the original on December 26, 2025. Retrieved Dec 20, 2025.
  17. ^ "From Sanctions to Blacklists: The U.S. Campaign to Curb Iran's Reach in Iraq". Kurdistan 24. Nov 8, 2025. Retrieved Dec 20, 2025.
  18. ^ Toomey, Bridget (11 February 2026). "3 months after elections, Iraq still unable to form a government". Long War Journal. Retrieved 11 April 2026.
  19. ^ Tsurkov, Elizabeth (9 March 2026). "Iran's Fair-Weather Friends". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  20. ^ "Iraqi police disperse pro-Iran protesters near US embassy". Al Jazeera. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  21. ^ "Airstrikes target Iraqi Hashd Shaabi HQ near Kirkuk". Middle East Online. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  22. ^ Al-jnaidi, Laith (3 March 2026). "Iraqi media report crash of suspected US military aircraft in Basra". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  23. ^ ""Rumors are circulating on social media of a U.S. fighter jet shot down over Basra. These are baseless and NOT TRUE."". X. @CENTCOM. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  24. ^ Al-Abraz, Ali Mahmoud (11 March 2026). "Iraqi allies of Iran enter regional confrontation, but with more autonomy". Amwaj.media. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  25. ^ Frantzman, Seth (13 March 2026). "Iran-backed militias in Iraq suffer increased losses as airstrikes hit multiple bases". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  26. ^ a b c d "Strikes on PMF bases in Iraq kill at least 30: Sources". The New Region. Archived from the original on 2026-03-13. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
  27. ^ "Airstrikes Hit PMF Positions in Anbar and Kirkuk, Causing Dozens of Casualties". Kurdistan24. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
  28. ^ a b c "Iran backed militia bases in Iraq targeted in airstrikes". The Jerusalem Post. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
  29. ^ "Aviation Safety Network Incident # 567773". Aviation Safety Network. 9 March 2026.
  30. ^ Chiappa, Claudia (14 March 2026). "US embassy in Baghdad hit by missile". Politico. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  31. ^ "Two killed in strikes on Baghdad, targeting Iran-backed group: Sources". English Al Arabiya. 14 March 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  32. ^ "US strikes kill pro-Iran militia figures in Iraq amid 'open war' fears". The New Arab. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  33. ^ "Strike kills at least four Iraqi fighters near Syria border: Security sources". LBC International. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  34. ^ "Kataib Hezbollah announces death of spokesperson Abu Ali al-Askari". Shafaq News. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  35. ^ Genn, James (16 March 2026). "Senior Iran-backed Iraqi militia official killed, Kataib Hezbollah not confirming circumstances". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  36. ^ "Hotel in Iraqi capital Baghdad struck as attacks on US embassy intercepted". Al Jazeera. 17 March 2026. Archived from the original on 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  37. ^ Sio, Mohammed (18 March 2026). "3 Popular Mobilization Forces fighters killed in western Iraq attack". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  38. ^ "Kataib Hezbollah sets conditions to pause US Embassy strikes". Shafaq News. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  39. ^ "Strikes kill two PMF fighters in northern Iraq amid wider war, group says". Al Jazeera. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  40. ^ "Four wounded as drone strikes hit faction, PMF sites in Kirkuk". Shafaq News. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  41. ^ Frantzman, Seth. "Iranian-backed militias escalate attacks in Iraq, send mixed signals on next steps". Long War Journal. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  42. ^ "Escalating strikes on Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq raise fears among minorities in Nineveh Plains". Syriac Press. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  43. ^ "Iraqi PM Reaffirms Support for PMF, Warns Against Dragging Iraq into Regional Conflict". Kurdistan24. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  44. ^ Saadoon, Mustafa; Ghassan, Taqi (24 March 2026). "Iraqi Official Tells Alhurra Why Iraq Authorized PMF to Respond to Attacks". al Hurra. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  45. ^ "Airstrike hits PMF site north of Baghdad". Shfaq News. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  46. ^ "Airstrike hits PMF site in Iraq's Saladin". Shafq News. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  47. ^ "Air strike targets Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces in Salah al-Din province". Middle East Eye. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  48. ^ "Iraq's Islamic Resistance claims 27 attacks on US bases". Shafaq News. 21 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  49. ^ "Drone strike near Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Baghdad kills officer". Al Jazeera. 21 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  50. ^ Al-Samarraie, Jawad (23 March 2026). "PMF bases in Anbar and North Tigris hit by aerial strikes". Iraqi News. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
  51. ^ "Strike in western Iraq kills 15 fighters: new toll". BSS News. 24 March 2026. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  52. ^ "Strike on western Iraq kills seven security personnel: Official". Ahram Online. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  53. ^ Amen, Mohammad; Ali, Mohammad (25 March 2026). "Pro-Iran Iraqi militias expand attacks into Syria, targeting 'Kharab al-Jir' base". New Arab. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  54. ^ "Iraq says it arrests four after rocket attacks on Syria base". The Times of Israel. 24 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  55. ^ "Airstrike hits PMF 13th Brigade base in Al-Qaim, three injure". Shafaq News. 26 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  56. ^ "PMF 61st Brigade Base in Kirkuk's Dibis District Targeted". Kurdistan24. 26 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  57. ^ "Syrian army says it repelled drone attack from Iraq targeting military base". L'Orient Today. 28 March 2026. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  58. ^ "Air strikes in Iraq kill three PMF fighters, two police". Al Jazeera. 28 March 2026. Archived from the original on 31 March 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  59. ^ Abdul-Zahra, Qassim; Bauer, Scott (1 April 2026). "US and Iraqi officials say kidnapped journalist had been warned of threats". AP News. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  60. ^ "American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq". Newsnation. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 31 March 2026.
  61. ^ "Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah to release abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson". The Jerusalem Post. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  62. ^ Habibinia, Omid. "Iraqi PMF presence in Iran raises alarm over crackdown, potential US ground war". No. 3 April 2026. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  63. ^ "Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran following deadly strike". China Daily. 4 April 2026. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  64. ^ "PMF Commander Killed in Nineveh's Tel Afar Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions". Kurdistan24. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  65. ^ "Strike kills one Iraqi PMF fighter near Syria border". New Arab. 4 April 2026. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  66. ^ "Second air strike hits PMF base in western Iraq". Middle East Eye. 4 April 2026. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  67. ^ "Fifth in 24 hours: Airstrike targets PMF site in Saladin". Shafaq News. 5 April 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  68. ^ Al-Imam Ali, Kata'ib (6 April 2026). "Airstrike Targets PMF-Affiliated Base West of Kirkuk". No. Kurdistan24. Erbil. Archived from the original on 7 April 2026. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  69. ^ "PMF site in Diyala struck by airstrike". Shafaq News. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  70. ^ "Strike kills Kataib Hezbollah commander and two others at Basra farm". 964media. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
  71. ^ "Iraq's 'Islamic Resistance' suspends attacks amid US-Iran ceasefire". The New Region. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  72. ^ "US summons Iraq envoy over Iran-backed attacks against Americans". No. 9 April 2026. Al Arabiya English. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  73. ^ "Dhi Qar tribes force out Badr Organization chief from Khamenei ceremony". Shafaq News. 10 April 2026. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  74. ^ "A secret Israeli base in Iraq? What we know". Al Jazeera. 12 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  75. ^ "Israel built and defended a secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports". The New Arab. 10 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  76. ^ "Iraq's PMF begins major desert sweep after reports of 'secret Israeli base'". The New Arab. 12 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  77. ^ Habeshian, Sareen (15 May 2026). "US charges Iraqi with plots to target Jews in cities from London to LA". BBC. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  78. ^ "Dual Iranian-Iraqi National Indicted for Providing Material Support to Terrorist Organizations". U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  79. ^ Stub, Zev (29 May 2026). "Iraqi militia head charged for plotting attacks on Jewish targets in Europe and US". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  80. ^ "Iran-backed militia leader killed in car bombing in Iraq". No. 28 May 2026. Rudaw Media Network. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  81. ^ "Pro-Iran Iraqi faction blames US, Israel for 'assassination' of senior commander". The New Region. 28 May 2026. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2026_United_States–Israeli_strikes_on_Iraq&oldid=1356774898"