The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted air strikes Wednesday morning against a Popular Mobilization Forces base in Bartella, Iraq [1].

This joint operation marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, signaling a coordinated effort by Washington and Riyadh to degrade the capabilities of Iran-backed militias operating within Iraqi territory.

The strikes targeted a base in the Nineveh Plains of northern Iraq [1], [2]. While some reports suggest the operation was limited to the Bartella site, other accounts indicate the strikes occurred across multiple Iran-backed militia locations throughout Iraq [3].

Casualty reports vary between sources. Middle East Eye said the death toll rose to 10 [4], while The New Arab said 20 PMF members were killed in the strikes [5].

Officials said the operation was a response to activities directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A U.S. Central Command spokesperson said, "We are targeting Iran‑aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure" [6].

The Popular Mobilization Forces consist of various paramilitary groups that often align with Iranian interests. The strikes follow a brief lull in fighting between regional powers and their respective proxies.

U.S. and Saudi officials said these groups pose a direct threat to regional stability and energy security. By striking the PMF base, the coalition aims to deter further IRGC-led operations against strategic assets and military personnel [6].

“"We are targeting Iran‑aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure."”

The coordination between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia demonstrates a unified security front against Iranian influence in Iraq. By targeting the Popular Mobilization Forces, the coalition is attempting to disrupt the command-and-control link between the IRGC and its proxies, potentially risking a wider cycle of retaliation in the Nineveh Plains and beyond.