Iraq-Saudi Tensions Escalate as US Strikes Militia Sites
A recent escalation in attacks between Iraq and Saudi Arabia has put pressure on the US to intervene and maintain stability in the region. On July 28, American and Saudi aircraft conducted strikes against seven sites in Iraq that were used by Iran-backed militias as 'terrorist logistics and weapons sites.'
The strikes came after two days of Iraqi militia drone launches into Saudi Arabia, which echoed a similar spate of attacks during Operation Epic Fury in February-April. The exchanges have put Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's planned visit to the kingdom on hold.
Riyadh has publicly warned that Saudi forces would respond to Iraqi militia attacks, and CENTCOM confirmed that US and Saudi aircraft were involved in hitting multiple Iraqi targets. At least 20 PMF members were killed in this week's strikes and another 32 were injured.
The latest exchange took place just as another Iranian partner, Yemen's Houthis, began striking airports, oil tankers, and onshore oil facilities on Saudi Arabia's west coast. The US will need to balance its relationships with the new Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Zaidi and its old partner, Saudi Arabia.