US-Saudi Airstrikes Hit Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq, Killing at Least 20
A joint operation by the United States and Saudi Arabia targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The strikes hit 'terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq,' according to CENTCOM.
The operation was a response to recent attacks on American forces and Saudi energy sites, which were allegedly carried out by the militias. Iran's involvement in these attacks has been confirmed, with the country launching missiles at U.S. military installations in Jordan earlier this week.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the airstrikes as 'aggressive attacks' that amount to a violation of Iraq's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iraqi presidency also denounced the strikes, calling them 'a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty.'
The region remains on high alert, with oil prices spiking in response to the renewed hostilities. Iraq's prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, called off a planned meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah following the strikes.