Baghdad (HRNW)- Iraq’s influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has strongly reacted to the deaths of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters and Iraqi security personnel in joint US-Saudi airstrikes, blaming some Iraqi armed groups and weak state governance for the loss of lives.
In a statement released on the social media platform X, Muqtada al-Sadr said that the irresponsible and emotional actions of militias, along with the failure to bring weapons under state control, have put the lives of innocent fighters at risk.
He said that the leaders of some armed groups are focused on their personal interests, comfort and business, while their subordinates continue to lose their lives on the battlefield.
Stressing the need to end unilateral decisions and unorganized military activities, Muqtada al-Sadr said Iraq should no longer tolerate policies that push the country toward renewed war and instability.
He also expressed condolences to the families of PMF fighters and Iraqi security personnel killed in the US-Saudi attacks, but said the real responsibility for the deaths lies with those whose decisions created the current situation.
At the end of the statement, Muqtada al-Sadr prayed that Allah Almighty would protect Iraq from all forms of evil, unrest and destructive actions and that peace and stability would prevail across the country.
According to political observers, Muqtada al-Sadr’s statement is being viewed as a significant development in Iraq’s internal politics, as he has long been critical of pro-Iranian militias.
Analysts say the latest remarks could further intensify the debate in Iraq over state authority, the role of militias and national security.
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