An airstrike in central Iraq on Sunday killed four fighters from the paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), officials confirmed. The attack, which struck a PMF base in Diyala province, also wounded eight other fighters, according to security sources and local PMF officials.

A PMF spokesperson described the fatalities as the “martyrdom of four fighters in an attack on their base,” highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of paramilitary positions amid heightened regional tensions. The group, which is now formally integrated into Iraq’s national army, has faced repeated airstrikes in recent months, often attributed to foreign military operations in the area.

Security sources in Diyala said the airstrike targeted a compound used by the PMF, though details regarding the origin of the strike remain unconfirmed. No civilian casualties were reported in the incident.

Also Read: Shia Leaders in Ajmer Declare Three-Day Mourning for Ayatollah Khamenei

The attack underscores continued volatility in Iraq, where PMF units operate alongside the Iraqi army but remain active in areas contested by regional and international powers. Analysts warn that such strikes could escalate local confrontations and complicate Iraq’s internal security situation.

Authorities in Diyala province have launched an investigation and increased security around other PMF installations, while emergency responders treated the wounded at local medical facilities. The incident comes amid broader tensions in the Middle East following recent U.S.-Israel operations against Iranian-linked targets in the region.

The PMF has historically maintained strong ties with Iran, and attacks on its positions are likely to fuel further cross-border tensions, particularly as nearby conflicts involving Israel and Iran continue to escalate.

Also Read: Adani Group Unveils India’s Longest 91.2m Wind Turbine Blade At Mundra Facility