Iraq calls Saudi-US attacks a 'flagrant violation of sovereignty'
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi cancelled his first official trip to Saudi Arabia in protest, after joint Saudi-US strikes targeted Iran-backed militia forces on Iraqi soil.
The Iraqi government sharply condemned joint Saudi-US strikes on Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases within its territory, describing the attacks as a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty.
The most concrete sign of protest came when Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi cancelled what would have been his first official visit to Saudi Arabia. The cancellation signals a serious downturn in relations between the two countries.
Footage of the strikes showing the destruction at PMF bases stirred reaction across the region. Analysts say Iraq's response underscores the risk that the US-Iran war could turn neighboring countries into a direct front of the conflict.
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