Saudi Arabia and US Join Forces in Iraq Strikes Against Iran-Backed Militia
Saudi Arabia and the US launched joint strikes against Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq on Wednesday. The operation, carried out under the right to self-defence as recognised by Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeted several logistics and weapons sites used by 'terrorists supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'.
The strikes came after more than 30 drone attacks directed by the IRGC over the past three days. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was a strong response to these attacks.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the operation was conducted in coordination with CENTCOM and aimed at protecting its oil facilities, which were attacked by drone strikes on Tuesday. 'Today, the Saudi Armed Forces, in coordination with US Central Command, carried out precision strikes against targets belonging to those militias in the Republic of Iraq,' said Major General Turki Al-Maliki.
The joint operation has heightened fears of a broader military confrontation amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.