Iraq’s prime minister has called on security forces to pursue suspects responsible for firing projectiles near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday as the US-Israel war on Iran continued.
Authorities also reported a deadly airstrike on positions belonging to the pro-Iran Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Nineveh province on Saturday, while parliament convened a closed session to address regional tensions .
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani commanded the military to swiftly track down and capture those responsible for the embassy assault.
Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief, called the strike a "terrorist act" and confirmed Sudani's order for security commands to act.
Sudani stressed that attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq are utterly unacceptable, warning that such actions put the nation’s security and stability at grave risk.
He added that the perpetrators are violating Iraq’s sovereignty and security and said that decisions regarding war and military action rest solely with the state. Airstrike targets PMF strongholds Iraq’s Security Media Cell reported that an unidentified airstrike on PMF positions in Nineveh Province left one fighter dead and three wounded.
Unidentified aircraft hit the PMF’s 40th Brigade headquarters and separately struck the 33rd regiment in Nineveh.
The attacks caused one fatality, three injuries, and significant material damage.
These incidents come as regional tensions flare over the Iran conflict, fueling fears that Iraq may be pulled deeper into the turmoil. Parliament convenes in secrecy On Saturday, the Council of Representatives gathered to confront Iraq’s escalating security challenges and regional threats.
Lawmakers voted to hold the meeting behind closed doors while Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi chaired the session, which was attended by senior security officials as well as parliamentarians.
Parliament’s media office said Halbousi had earlier met with deputy speakers and bloc leaders in the constitutional hall to discuss regional security.
After intense discussions, the parliament adjourned the session until Monday.
Iraq’s State Administration Coalition said it held intensive talks to examine "dangerous regional developments" and their effects on Iraq.
In a statement, the coalition emphasised the need for Iraq to avoid involvement in the ongoing regional conflict and reiterated its rejection of the country becoming "an arena for settling scores" or a launch point for attacks against neighbouring states.
The coalition condemned attacks on sovereignty and backed state institutions, especially the military, in protecting Iraq’s borders and sovereignty. Militia leaders tighten security Iraqi militia leaders have heightened security measures amid assassination fears, as some factions strike US and Israeli interests in response to the Iran conflict.
Sources told The New Arab's sister site Al-A raby Al-Jadeed that several militia commanders have recently reduced public appearances, frequently changed residences, and adopted more secure communication methods.
They have bolstered personal protection and now travel along unconventional routes to evade tracking and potential airstrikes or raids.
These precautions come in the wake of an airstrike that killed Ali al-Furaiji, a senior Kataib Hezbollah leader, as he travelled through Babylon Province.
A Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba official said faction leaders took strict security measures after warnings of assassination attempts.
Ali al-Fatlawi, Ansar Allah al-Awfiya leader, said these precautions are a natural response to what he called a "clear and declared war" with the US and Israel.
Iraq has witnessed a surge in airstrikes targeting faction sites and senior leaders. While the attacks escalated after the Iran conflict intensified, both Washington and Tel Aviv have remained silent, even as Iraqi officials point fingers at US forces.