Geopolitical Conflict
US airstrikes hit Popular Mobilisation Forces HQ in northern Iraq
US strikes on a Popular Mobilisation Forces headquarters in northern Iraq kill at least 15 fighters and prompt Iraqi authorization for the group to defend itself amid escalating regional tensions.
On March 24, 2026, US forces conducted airstrikes targeting the headquarters of the Iran‑aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in northern Iraq. The attack killed at least 15 PMF members and also struck the house of PMF leader Faleh al‑Fayyadh, though he was not present. In response, Iraq’s National Security Council authorized the PMF to defend itself, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing shadow conflict between US and Iranian‑backed forces inside Iraq. The strikes are part of a broader pattern of limited US‑Israel coalition actions against Iran‑backed militia sites and come as Iraq tries to balance its sovereignty with external military pressures in the wider regional war.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Northern Iraq, Popular Mobilisation Forces headquarters area
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 21:46 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 21:46 UTC
- Connected threats
- Not provided