Coordination Framework condemns Saudi-US strikes

BAGHDAD — The Coordination Framework condemned Wednesday’s U.S.-Saudi strikes on Popular Mobilization Forces sites as “a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and warned they threaten efforts to contain the regional conflict.

The Shia alliance that backs the government met at the Government Palace on Wednesday with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi present, hours after the strikes. It said the attacks contravened international law and the U.N. Charter, that “any violation of or infringement upon Iraq’s security and sovereignty is unacceptable under any circumstances,” and rejected “any attempt to turn Iraq into an arena for regional and international conflicts.”

It said it was surprised the attack came while the government was pursuing a foreign policy built on cooperation with neighboring countries, that the strikes “do not serve regional and international efforts aimed at containing the crisis and de-escalating tensions,” and that they “further complicate the situation and threaten security and stability throughout the region.” It offered condolences to the families of those killed.

The PMF said the strikes hit its headquarters in Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala, killing 20 personnel and wounding 32 in a preliminary toll. Funerals were held in Baghdad and other cities.

U.S. Central Command said it and Saudi forces struck weapons-storage and logistics sites linked to Iran-backed groups, after drone attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and U.S. forces. Iraqi officials say those accusations have not been supported with evidence passed to Baghdad.

The Framework’s statement carried no demand. Earlier Wednesday, First Deputy Speaker Adnan Faihan al-Dulaimi called for a complaint to the U.N. Security Council, Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri called for a review of all agreements with the United States, and Harakat al-Nujaba demanded the expulsion of U.S. forces. The Ministerial Council for National Security, which met the same day, said responding was “the exclusive responsibility of the Iraqi government” and reaffirmed both the weapons plan and the September coalition withdrawal date.