- The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint air strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq Wednesday, as Tehran launched ballistic missiles at American military targets.
- The casualties from the US-Saudi joint strikes reportedly total 20 dead and 32 wounded, according to the PMF’s Telegram post.
- The Saudi Arabia foreign ministry stated that the strikes followed attacks by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias against Saudi oil facilities.
- The attacks mark a renewed escalation after a brief pause in fighting following almost two consecutive weeks of strikes exchanged by the US and Iran.
- US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that American and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple weapons and logistics sites across eastern Iraq in response to more than 30 Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed drone attacks.
- The operation represents a rare direct Saudi military engagement since the West Asian conflict began in late February.
The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint air strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.134
At least 20 people were killed and 32 wounded in the strikes, which targeted multiple weapons and logistics sites across eastern Iraq, according to reports from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).2
The operation was a response to over 30 drone attacks directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the preceding 72 hours. CENTCOM confirmed that American and Saudi fighter aircraft were involved in the operation, which follows a series of Iranian missile attacks on American military targets and threats against oil tankers.
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry stated that the air strikes were a direct response to attacks by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias on Saudi oil facilities in the eastern region of the kingdom. This operation represents a rare direct military engagement by Saudi Arabia since the conflict escalated in late February.
Between February and April, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq attempted more than 600 attacks against American citizens and facilities, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region. The recent strikes signal a renewed commitment from both the US and Saudi Arabia to counter Iranian influence in Iraq and protect their interests.
“The US Central Command reported that the strikes targeted multiple weapons and logistics sites in eastern Iraq, responding to over 30 drone attacks directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. This operation marks a rare direct military engagement by Saudi Arabia since the West Asian conflict began in late February.”
