US Air Force Conducts Airstrikes on PMF Infrastructure in Kirkuk
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KIRKUK, Iraq (AP) — The United States Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting infrastructure associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq's Kirkuk Governorate on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in military activity within the region.
The strikes occurred at approximately 16:16 UTC on March 26, 2026. U.S. military officials confirmed the operation, stating that the objective was to degrade specific capabilities linked to the Iran-backed militia group. The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of various Shia militias integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus, has long been a point of contention between Baghdad and Washington.
No immediate casualties were reported in the aftermath of the initial strikes, though local officials in Kirkuk have not yet released a comprehensive damage assessment. The targeted infrastructure reportedly included logistical hubs and storage facilities used by PMF units operating in the governorate. Kirkuk, a strategic oil-rich province in northern Iraq, has historically been a flashpoint for sectarian and political tensions.
The Iraqi government has not issued an official statement regarding the specific nature of the U.S. operation. However, senior Iraqi officials have previously expressed frustration over foreign military actions conducted within Iraqi territory without explicit coordination. The United States maintains a military presence in Iraq primarily to support the fight against ISIS remnants, though recent diplomatic friction has complicated the relationship between the two nations.
Analysts suggest the timing of the strikes may be linked to broader regional security concerns, though no specific provocation has been publicly identified. The Popular Mobilization Forces has denied involvement in any recent hostile activities that would warrant such a response. The group's leadership has called for an immediate investigation into the incident, demanding accountability from the United States.
The U.S. Central Command has not provided further details on the rules of engagement or the specific intelligence that prompted the decision to use air power. Questions remain regarding the extent of the damage inflicted on the targeted sites and whether the operation was part of a broader campaign. Local residents in Kirkuk have reported hearing explosions but have not witnessed any large-scale ground operations following the air strikes.
As of late Wednesday, the situation in Kirkuk remains tense. Military observers are monitoring the area for potential retaliatory measures or further escalation. The United States and Iraq have not announced any emergency diplomatic consultations regarding the incident. The long-term implications for U.S.-Iraq relations and the security landscape in northern Iraq remain unclear as the situation develops.