The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) announced on Thursday that one of its military units in Nineveh Governorate was targeted by two separate airstrikes within less than 24 hours, as security tensions continue to rise across Iraq and the wider Middle East.

In an official statement circulated on social media, the PMF said that the fourth regiment of the 14th Brigade, operating under the Nineveh Operations Command, was struck twice as part of what it described as a continuing series of attacks on its positions.

According to the statement, the first strike occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, while a second attack targeted the same location at 5:20 a.m. on Thursday. The PMF characterized the incidents as “U.S.-Israeli aggression,” though it did not provide evidence supporting that claim. The group added that no casualties were reported in the two strikes.

No party has officially claimed responsibility for the latest attacks. However, similar airstrikes in Iraq in recent years have often been attributed to operations aimed at limiting the military capabilities of Iran-backed armed factions operating in the country.

In a related development on Wednesday, the PMF confirmed the death of Yasin Muhammad Sadiq, commander of the 53rd PMF Brigade, in the Tel Afar District of western Nineveh Governorate.

According to the PMF, two aerial strikes hit the area—one at 5:50 p.m. and another at 6:40 p.m. Initial reports indicated that Sadiq and another PMF member were killed, while four others were injured.

The incidents come amid growing regional tensions and increased military exchanges across Iraq and neighboring countries. Since the start of the latest escalation on February 18, Iran-aligned Iraqi militias affiliated with the PMF have reportedly launched frequent rocket and drone attacks targeting American and coalition military forces, diplomatic missions, and other facilities.

Some of these attacks have also affected government institutions, private sector facilities, and residential areas, resulting in civilian casualties across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert on Thursday, warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning possible attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours.

The advisory warned that potential targets could include:

Diplomatic missions

Businesses and universities

Airports and hotels

Energy infrastructure

Locations associated with the United States

Iraqi government institutions and civilian areas

The embassy also warned of an increased risk of kidnappings targeting American citizens, noting that some militia members may pose as government officials using identification suggesting affiliation with Iraqi state institutions.

Although the diplomatic mission remains operational under an ordered departure status, the embassy advised U.S. citizens not to travel to its compound in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to significant security risks.

The statement reiterated the U.S. Department of State Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately and warning that those who remain face substantial personal risk.

The PMF—an umbrella network of predominantly Shiite armed factions formed during the fight against Islamic State (ISIS)—remains a central component of Iraq’s security landscape. However, the presence of factions aligned with Iran has frequently brought the group into friction with the United States and Israel.