SAUDI ARABIA AND U.S. LAUNCH JOINT AIRSTRIKES ON IRAN-BACKED TARGETS IN IRAQ AFTER DRONE ATTACKS
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has announced that Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets carried out coordinated airstrikes in eastern Iraq, targeting what it described as weapons storage facilities and logistical hubs used by Iran-backed armed groups.
According to the ministry, the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. military forces. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed American participation in the joint strikes, describing the operation as a response to escalating security threats in the region.
Saudi officials said the strikes were launched in retaliation for recent drone attacks allegedly carried out by Iran-backed militias operating inside Iraq. Those drone attacks reportedly targeted oil facilities within Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over the security of the Kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure.
The Saudi government stated that the operation was intended to deter further attacks and degrade the operational capabilities of the armed groups responsible. No official casualty figures or damage assessments have yet been released by either Saudi Arabia or the United States.
There has been no immediate response from the Iraqi government regarding the reported airstrikes. Likewise, the Iran-backed groups accused of carrying out the drone attacks have not publicly commented on the claims.
The reported joint operation marks another significant escalation in regional tensions, highlighting the growing risk of direct confrontation involving Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Iran-backed militias operating across Iraq. As of now, the claims have not been independently verified by multiple sources, and further details are expected as the situation develops.