Iraq Disputes Trump Claim of Coordination on U.S.-Saudi Strikes
Published
Iraq denied approving or receiving advance notice of the U.S.-Saudi strikes on its territory, directly disputing a claim attributed to President Donald Trump that the operation was coordinated with Baghdad. Iraq's National Security Council said the attacks occurred while the government was still investigating and addressing Saudi and American concerns, and condemned the deaths and injuries. The strikes hit Popular Mobilization Forces sites and killed at least 20 fighters, according to the force. U.S. Central Command said American and Saudi aircraft targeted logistics and weapons sites used by Iran-aligned terrorists after more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks in 72 hours.
Sources
Difference in reporting
Sources factually disagree on Iraqi coordination: Walla reports Baghdad said it neither approved nor knew in advance of the strikes; AP reports a Fox News journalist said President Trump described the operation as coordinated with the Iraqi government. The remaining facts are uniform: U.S. and Saudi aircraft struck Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq, and Iraq condemned the operation.
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