Pro-Iranian Militias Confirm 20 Dead in US-Saudi Strikes in Eastern Iraq

Hours after a joint US-Saudi military strike in eastern Iraq, pro-Iranian militias reported at least 20 fatalities and 32 injuries from the attacks. The militias warned the death toll could rise. The umbrella group al-Hashd al-Shaabi stated the strikes targeted their headquarters across several Iraqi provinces including Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala, and Diyala. They also reported varying degrees of material damage to command centers, vehicles, and military equipment.

The US Central Command confirmed the operation was conducted alongside Saudi forces, targeting militia sites in response to recent missile attacks by Iran's Revolutionary Guards against US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure. The statement noted over 30 drone attacks directed by the Revolutionary Guards in the past 72 hours had failed. Between February and April 2026, more than 600 attacks on US personnel and facilities by Iran-linked Iraqi militias were recorded. The US warned the Revolutionary Guards and their proxies to cease attacks to avoid further military retaliation.

Separately, Iran launched missiles at a US base in Jordan, indicating escalating regional tensions. The coordinated US-Saudi strikes mark a significant response to ongoing militia aggression in Iraq, underscoring the volatile security situation in the region.