In brief
In a coordinated assault, US Central Command and Saudi forces targeted Iran‑backed militia sites in Iraq, claiming to hit logistics and weapon caches after a surge of Iranian drone attacks. The strikes reportedly killed at least 20 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces and injured 32 others across multiple provinces. This move comes hours after Iran launched missiles at US positions, reigniting the already fragile lull in the Middle East conflict. President Trump announced that the attacks were coordinated with the Iraqi government, while Saudi officials warned of a decisive response to any further aggression. The operation underscores the high stakes of the US‑Iran rivalry and Saudi‑Iran tensions as both sides contend for influence in Iraq.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a coordinated strike with Saudi forces that hit multiple Iran‑aligned militia bases in Iraq’s eastern and central provinces. The operation was carried out in response to over 30 Iranian‑directed drone attacks on US and Saudi targets in the past 72 hours.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted “terrorist logistics and weapons sites” while the US said the Iranian attack on their bases earlier that day was intercepted by missile defense systems.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella of mostly Shia militias that has been formally integrated into Iraq’s armed forces, confirmed that at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 injured in the air attacks. PMF officials condemned the strikes as a “violation of Iraq’s sovereignty” and called the operation an extreme escalation.
Saudi Defence Minister Major‑General Turki al‑Maliki said the Kingdom was acting in self‑defence after Iranian‑backed groups launched drones from Iraqi territory at Saudi oil facilities. He added, “We respond decisively to any aggression directed against us.”
In the broader context, the US–Iran confrontation has been simmering since the Iran War began in February, with each side recently exchanging missile and drone strikes. Saudi Arabia, the leading Sunni power, has expressed frustration at Iran’s repeated attacks on its territory, which have also aimed at US military facilities located there.
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As the conflict escalates, the international community urges restraint. The US says these operations are a strong response to prevent further Iranian attacks, while Iran’s foreign ministry claims the strikes violate international law. The Saudi‑American partnership marks a significant escalation in the region’s power struggle.
