US and Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq
The United States and Saudi Arabia have carried out military strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, increasing tensions in an already unstable Middle East region.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted groups linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing them of carrying out attacks against US forces and Saudi energy facilities.
The operation followed a series of drone attacks that Washington said were directed by the IRGC. CENTCOM said US and Saudi fighter jets struck several weapons and logistics sites in eastern Iraq in response to more than 30 Iran-backed drone attacks over a 72-hour period.
Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of mostly Shia militias integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others wounded in the strikes.
The PMF reported that attacks hit several of its bases across Iraqi provinces, including Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala. The group condemned the strikes as a serious escalation and accused the US and Saudi Arabia of violating Iraq’s sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes were carried out in response to drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Officials said the action was taken under the kingdom’s right to self-defence.
Saudi defence spokesman Maj-Gen Turki al-Maliki said the country does not seek escalation but would respond firmly to any threats against its territory.
The latest strikes came hours after CENTCOM announced that Iran had launched missiles toward US forces in the region in what it described as an attempted surprise attack. The US said all missiles were intercepted successfully.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the missile strikes targeted a US air base and command centre in Jordan, describing the action as retaliation for previous American military operations.
The IRGC also said naval forces had targeted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after they allegedly ignored warnings and travelled through what Iran described as an unsafe route.
The conflict has increased concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Rising tensions have already affected oil markets, with crude prices increasing as traders worry about possible disruptions to energy supplies.
Iranian officials have denied involvement in attacks on Saudi facilities and warned that blaming Tehran for regional attacks would be a serious mistake.
The renewed hostilities come after a brief pause following weeks of military exchanges between the US and Iran. Previous strikes and counterattacks have caused casualties among military personnel and civilians, while increasing fears of a wider regional conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the latest US-Saudi strikes have further complicated attempts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. Regional leaders are now closely watching developments as the situation remains highly uncertain.
