Airstrikes in Iraq kill PMF fighters as US orders evacuations

 Airstrikes in Iraq have killed three members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces and two Iraqi police officers near Kirkuk, as tensions linked to the US Israeli confrontation with Iran spill across borders.The PMF, originally formed to fight ISIL and later integrated into Iraq’s official security structure, blamed the United States and Israel for the attack. No immediate confirmation has been issued by Washington or Tel Aviv.Separately, security sources  say two Iraqi policemen were killed in another strike targeting PMF positions in Mosul, around 105 miles northwest of Kirkuk. The strikes come amid rapidly escalating regional tensions.

In Baghdad, the United States Embassy Baghdad issued a fresh security alert warning that Iran aligned militia groups may carry out attacks in central areas within 24 to 48 hours. The embassy said “Iran aligned militia groups may carry out attacks”, listing Americans, diplomatic sites, hotels, airports, energy infrastructure and civilian areas as potential targets.The embassy urged US citizens to leave Iraq immediately under the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. With Iraqi airspace closed, overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain the only exits, though delays at border crossings are expected. The embassy remains open under ordered departure status but advised Americans to avoid its compounds for safety.