US and Saudi Arabia Launch Joint Strikes on Iranian-Backed Groups in Iraq

US and Saudi Arabia have jointly targeted sites in Iraq linked to armed groups backed by Iran in an unprecedented step that marks a significant escalation of regional tensions. The strikes were carried out in response to recent drone attacks on Saudi oil installations, which Riyadh accused Iraqi factions of launching.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of Shiite militias integrated into Iraq's security forces and close to Tehran, had denied any involvement in the attacks. However, US Central Command for the Middle East (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had carried out 'precision strikes' against 'Iran-aligned terrorist militias' in Iraq.

The strikes targeted 'multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites' in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours by groups acting under the direction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic. Washington stated that these groups were preparing further attacks against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.