Airstrikes hit Hashd al-Shaabi positions in northern Iraq, 20 reported killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Airstrikes attributed to the United States and Saudi Arabia hit positions of the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) in Iraq's northern Saladin and Nineveh provinces in the early hours, killing 20 people and wounding 32, according to a statement from the group. The Hashd al-Shaabi said the death toll could rise. In Saladin's eastern Amirli district, Mayor Mishem Nuri said no casualties were reported and the damage was limited to material losses. Nuri said the targets included a Hashd al-Shaabi headquarters, a civilian residence and a hall used for Husseini ceremonies. District authorities and security units have begun assessing the damage in the affected areas, he added. Nineveh's Hashd al-Shaabi Operations Command said strikes hit the 30th Brigade headquarters of the 4th Battalion and the Armored Warfare Directorate headquarters in the Bartile subdistrict east of Mosul, killing 10 people and wounding six. The Nineveh Provincial Council issued a statement condemning the strikes targeting multiple sites in the province and rejecting the use of Nineveh territory for operations against other countries.