Iraq to strengthen air defence, readiness after US-Saudi strikes

Iraq has ordered that its air defences and intelligence activities be bolstered, a government spokesperson said on Friday, after US-Saudi strikes on militants accused of launching attacks in the region. Spokesman Sabah al-Numan said that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi "issued strict and immediate orders... to raise alertness and readiness to the maximum across all camps and bases, particularly at the official bases of the armed forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi". Rebuilding and modernising air defence capabilities is a "top priority", Numan said, adding that this includes accelerating plans to equip and arm modern radar, early-detection, and air defence systems. On Wednesday, deadly US-Saudi strikes hit bases belonging to the Hashed al-Shaabi - an armed Iraqi alliance that has been integrated into the armed forces but also includes powerful groups known for acting unilaterally.