Saudi Arabia Strikes Back at Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq After Oil Facility Attacks

Saudi Arabia's armed forces conducted targeted strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), after over 30 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the previous 72 hours. The operation followed warnings from CENTCOM that these attacks were 'directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure'.

According to the Saudi Defence Ministry, the strikes targeted groups in Iraq responsible for launching attacks on oil facilities in the kingdom's Eastern Province. Riyadh stated it was not seeking escalation but would respond to any 'aggression', while Iran denied involvement in the attacks.

The US and Saudi military had previously shot down Iranian attacks as tensions escalated in the region. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the drone attacks, saying Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against neighbours.