The Iraqi government announced plans to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council following a United States airstrike on Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Babil province. The strike, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, according to Sabhan Mula Chyad, a political advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

In a statement to Rudaw, Chyad emphasized that the Iraqi government intends to take legal action through international channels, including the Security Council, as the military action was conducted without Iraq’s approval. "They targeted a part of the Iraqi security forces," Chyad stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The United States described the operation as a “defensive airstrike” targeting combatants allegedly preparing to deploy weaponized drones. However, Prime Minister Sudani’s office condemned the strike, which was launched from outside Iraq, warning that such actions could jeopardize collaborative efforts to combat the Islamic State (ISIS).

The incident has reignited calls within Iraq for the expulsion of foreign military forces. Ali al-Defai, spokesperson for the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, labeled the strike a breach of national sovereignty and called for immediate action to protect Iraq's independence. "Such operations are breaches of national sovereignty and criminal acts towards the mujahideen, fighters, heroes who defend the security and stability of Iraq," Defai told Rudaw.

Defai urged the withdrawal of foreign troops and called for international support to limit “aggressions” from coalition forces. He also hinted at potential retaliation against US forces, suggesting that continued military presence might provoke a response. "It is natural for there to be a reaction, such as military operations towards the American forces," he warned, advocating for a shift to equal bilateral relations.

The airstrike comes amidst ongoing discussions between Iraq and the United States regarding the future of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, prompted by previous US military actions against the PMF. Tensions have been further exacerbated by renewed attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of Iranian-backed militia groups.

The latest development has intensified debates about the presence of foreign troops in Iraq, as national leaders and security officials deliberate on how best to ensure Iraq's sovereignty and security.