Israel responsible for attacks on Popular Mobilization Units: Iraqi PM

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has accused Israel of being behind attacks on Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq, the first time Baghdad has directly blamed Israel on Monday.

“Investigations into the targeting of some Popular Mobilization Forces positions indicate that Israel carried it out.

The Shi’ite militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, have repeatedly blamed Israel for raids by unmanned aircraft on their bases and weapon depots, including at least two incidents where fighters were killed. The United States has provided air support, they say.

Israel has so far declined to comment officially but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted last month of possible Israeli involvement. The Pentagon denied that U.S. forces were involved in the attacks.

The resolution of the Yemen crisis may be the key to solving problems in the Gulf, Abdul Mahdi said. Saudi Arabia, which backs the internationally recognized Yemeni government, is locked in a war against the Iran-aligned Houthi militia in the country. Iran and Saudi Arabia are ready to negotiate, Abdul Mahdi said.