US and Israel Conduct Joint Airstrikes on PMF Positions in Mosul
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MOSUL, Iraq — U.S. and Israeli military forces launched a coordinated airstrike targeting positions held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul early Monday morning. The operation, which occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time, marked a significant escalation in regional tensions involving the two nations and the Iran-backed militia group.
Witnesses in the Al-Zahra neighborhood described a series of explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from a compound previously identified as a PMF logistical hub. Local emergency services rushed to the scene, though initial assessments of casualties or structural damage have not been released by Iraqi authorities. The Iraqi military has not yet commented on the incident or confirmed the extent of the damage to the targeted facility.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of predominantly Shia militias integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus, have long been a focal point of friction between Baghdad and Western powers. While the PMF operates under the Iraqi government, certain factions within the group have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United States due to alleged ties to Iran and past attacks on U.S. diplomatic and military interests.
Neither the U.S. Department of Defense nor the Israeli Ministry of Defense has issued an official statement regarding the strike. However, the timing and nature of the attack suggest a coordinated effort to degrade the PMF’s operational capabilities in northern Iraq. The involvement of Israeli forces in an operation within Iraqi airspace represents a rare public acknowledgment of cross-border military activity in the region.
Iraqi officials have historically condemned foreign military actions on Iraqi soil without explicit government authorization. The Iraqi government has not yet addressed the incident, leaving questions about whether the strike was authorized by Baghdad or conducted unilaterally by the U.S. and Israel. Regional analysts note that the lack of immediate condemnation from Iraqi leadership may indicate tacit approval or an ongoing diplomatic effort to manage the fallout.
The motive behind the strike remains unclear. No group has claimed responsibility, and no official explanation has been provided regarding the specific intelligence that prompted the operation. Some observers speculate the attack may be a response to recent PMF activities or a preemptive measure against planned operations.
As of Monday afternoon, the situation in Mosul remains tense. Local residents report increased military patrols and restricted access to the strike zone. The international community is awaiting further clarification from Baghdad, Washington, and Jerusalem regarding the incident and its implications for regional stability.
The attack underscores the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East, where proxy conflicts and direct military engagements continue to shape the geopolitical landscape. With no immediate resolution in sight, the incident is likely to draw further scrutiny from regional and global powers.