An aerial attack on a military base in Iraq's western Anbar province has left seven fighters dead and 13 injured, according to the country's Ministry of Defence. The strikes took place on Wednesday at a base in Habbaniyah and targeted a military healthcare clinic, officials said, reported Al Jazeera.

Calling the incident "a heinous crime", the Ministry said the attack violated "all international laws and norms".

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Targeting of PMF positions

According to an Iraqi police source quoted by Al Jazeera, the strikes hit positions linked to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a paramilitary network that includes Iran-aligned groups and operates alongside Iraq's regular military.

The strikes appeared to involve repeated targeting of the same location. "What we understand from the military here is that air strikes were carried out and then further strikes carried out on that same position," Al Jazeera informed and added that it may be the first time PMF units have been targeted alongside broader Iraqi military forces.

Government response and diplomatic move

Following the attack, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the US charge d'affaires in Baghdad. The Prime Minister's office said Iraq would also file a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council and other international bodies.

Officials warned that the incident could strain relations between Iraq and the United States.

Rising tensions and 'right to respond'

The strike comes a day after another deadly attack on the same base, which killed 15 fighters, including a commander. The PMF blamed that earlier strike on the United States.

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In response, Iraq's government granted the PMF a "right to respond" to attacks and reiterated this position on Wednesday.

Since the war on Iran began on February 28, tensions in the region have intensified. Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed attacks on US interests, while US forces have conducted strikes targeting these groups.