DW.com- US and Saudi Arabia announced striking Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in response to over 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks.
- Saudi Arabia confirmed its participation in the US strikes against Iran-backed Iraqi militants.
- The US military reported that Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted during these operations.
- Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions.
- US Central Command stated that the strikes targeted multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq.
- Saudi Defense Ministry emphasized its "right to self-defense" in light of the recent attacks.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Saudi Arabia following an investigation into the drone attacks.
- Iraq is committed to preventing its territory from being used for attacks against friendly countries.
- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq denied involvement in the attacks, labeling Saudi claims as "fabrications."
The US and Saudi Arabia have conducted coordinated strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, responding to over 30 drone attacks directed by the IRGC in recent days. The strikes targeted logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq, as confirmed by the US military's Central Command.1238
The Saudi Defense Ministry emphasized its right to self-defense in a statement, asserting that the Kingdom does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces. The strikes were a direct response to drone attacks that had targeted Saudi petroleum facilities, with Saudi air defenses intercepting several drones launched from Iraqi territory.6
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Saudi Arabia soon, following his order for an investigation into the drone attacks. Iraq has committed to preventing its territory from being used for attacks against neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias, has denied involvement in the attacks, labeling Saudi claims as “fabrications” and warning of a “harsh response” to any Saudi actions.79
“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further US military response,” stated the US military, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential for escalation if hostilities continue.
“The US military's Central Command stated that the strikes targeted multiple logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Saudi Arabia to discuss the recent drone attacks, emphasizing Iraq's commitment to preventing its territory from being used for aggression against neighboring countries.”
