US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq Mark Escalation Against Pro-Iranian Militias

On the night between July 28 and 29, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia launched an unusual joint military strike against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 militia members. The attacks targeted logistics sites and weapons depots across multiple Iraqi provinces, including Basra, Wasit, Karbala, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, and Diyala. This marked a significant escalation following a recent wave of drone attacks by these militias against American and Saudi targets.

According to US Central Command, the militias conducted over 30 drone attacks in 72 hours, directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Saudi reports indicated that drones launched from Iraq attempted to strike oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. In response, the militias raised alert levels and evacuated their headquarters across Iraq, fearing further strikes. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi convened an emergency government meeting and canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia.

The militias, mainly Shiite groups consolidated under the umbrella organization Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Al-Hashd al-Shaabi), gained strength after the 2003 US invasion and especially following the 2014 ISIS surge. Iran has long supported these groups with funding, training, and weaponry, including rockets and drones capable of long-range attacks. Since October 7, 2023, these militias have intensified attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria and launched drone and missile strikes against Israel, framing their actions as support for Palestinians in Gaza.

Saudi military expert Faisal al-Hamid described the strikes as a limited operation with a clear message: Riyadh knows the locations of militia command centers and can neutralize them if attacks continue. Saudi Arabia emphasized it does not seek escalation but will respond firmly to any aggression. Israeli researcher Dr. Ronen Zeidel noted the unusual nature of Saudi airstrikes in Iraq and suggested the developments could affect the planned US withdrawal of advisors from Iraq by September 30, 2026. Iran’s influence over the militias remains a key factor in the conflict’s trajectory.

The joint US-Saudi operation establishes new engagement rules, signaling a readiness to respond directly to threats from pro-Iranian militias within Iraq, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and US military presence in the country.