The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on Wednesday targeting positions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of Iraqi armed groups with strong pro-Iran ties. The alliance, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), was created in 2014 to combat the Islamic State insurgency across Iraq.

Hashed al-Shaabi emerged following a religious edict by Iraq's leading Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, calling for volunteers to defend the country as ISIS rapidly expanded. The coalition is predominantly composed of Shia factions, many of which receive training and support from Iran. These groups have historically clashed with US forces since the 2003 invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

Among the key figures linked to the Hashed's Iranian alliance was General Qasem Soleimani, who led Iran's Quds Force until his death in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020. In 2016, Iraq formally incorporated Hashed al-Shaabi into its official security apparatus, and the coalition played a significant role alongside Iraqi troops and US-led forces in defeating ISIS by 2017.

Pro-Iran Factions Within Hashed al-Shaabi

The Hashed umbrella includes numerous factions, several of which are designated as terrorist groups by the US government. Some of these militias receive government salaries but operate autonomously. Their influence has grown politically, with members holding parliamentary seats, even as US sanctions target their leadership.

Prominent groups such as Kataeb Hezbollah, Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, and the al-Nujaba movement are part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq alliance, which frequently attacks US interests in the region. These militias pledge allegiance to the Iran-led "axis of resistance," a coalition that includes Lebanon's Hezbollah, Gaza's Hamas, and Yemen's Houthis.

These factions maintain separate bases, weapons depots, and drone production workshops, employing explosive-laden drones, rockets, and reportedly short-range ballistic missiles to conduct operations.

Regional Implications

Iraq continues to serve as a proxy battleground between US and Iranian interests. The recent US-Saudi strikes underscore ongoing efforts to curb the influence and capabilities of Iran-backed militias operating within Iraqi territory.