US and Saudi Forces Conduct Joint Strikes on Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq

In a coordinated military operation on the night between July 28 and 29, American and Saudi forces launched precise airstrikes targeting pro-Iranian militia sites in eastern Iraq. The strikes, carried out by fighter jets from both countries, focused on logistics and weapons facilities linked to terrorist groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that these attacks were a direct response to over 30 drone and air assault attempts against US personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure in the past 72 hours. From February to April 2026, more than 600 such attacks were recorded against American civilians and installations by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.

CENTCOM emphasized that the recent assaults on US forces had failed and issued a stern warning to the IRGC and its proxies to cease their attacks or face further US military retaliation. Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the joint operation, describing it as "quality and focused strikes" conducted in full cooperation with the US military.

These pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are part of a broader network funded and directed by Tehran, receiving weapons, training, and financial support from Iran. The joint US-Saudi strikes send a clear message to Iran that its regional proxy activities will not be tolerated and that moderate Arab states are willing to collaborate with Washington to curb Iranian influence in the Middle East.