Fighter jets from the United States and The Washington Post conducted joint military strikes targeting Iranian proxy forces in Iraq, officials said. The operation marked a direct entry by Riyadh into the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran, according to The Washington Post. Fighter aircraft from both nations struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in a strong response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the preceding 72 hours, according to nbcnews.com.
Joint US-Saudi Military Strikes Target Iran-Backed Militia Sites Across Iraq
The Saudi Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with the US military Aljazeera. The Saudi Defense Ministry announced that its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions, which were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-aligned terrorist militias Aljazeera. In a social media post, the Saudi Defense Ministry warned that the Kingdom emphasizes that it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces
nbcnews.com.
Casualties and Impact on Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces
The joint air raids hit positions belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, also known as the PMF or Hashd al-Sha’abi, across several provinces Aljazeera, Qodsna, trtworld.com. Differing casualty figures were reported by officials following the multi-province bombardment. The PMF initially stated that eight of its members were killed and four were wounded Aljazeera, while separate reports indicated that at least 10 members were killed in Nineveh province alone Wionews, and PMU tallies later noted at least 20 members killed and 32 wounded trtworld.com. The alliance confirmed that several buildings and properties suffered material damage Wionews.
The PMF condemned the operation as a highly dangerous escalation
and a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and official security institutions Aljazeera. Originally formed in 2014 to fight jihadist groups, the PMF was later integrated into Iraq’s armed forces and reports directly to the prime minister under Iraqi law, though several Iran-backed factions retain independent command structures and have frequently targeted US and regional interests Aljazeera, Wionews, trtworld.com.
Militia Denials and Broader Regional Tensions
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, denied any role in the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, calling the Saudi claims fabrications and warning that any foolish Saudi action will be met with a harsh response
Aljazeera. Some militia representatives implied that Monday’s attacks against Saudi infrastructure were carried out by the Houthis in Yemen, who claimed separate attacks on Saudi oil facilities and shipping lanes The Guardian, nbcnews.com.
The joint strikes occurred against a backdrop of wider hostilities, which included a ballistic missile attack launched by Iran targeting American forces in the Middle East that was successfully intercepted by U.S. Central Command The Guardian, nbcnews.com. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate the drone allegations, affirming that Iraq remains committed to preventing its territory from being used as a launch point against neighboring or friendly nations The Guardian, nbcnews.com. Prime Minister al-Zaidi is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia Aljazeera amidst ongoing efforts by his administration to bring pro-Iran armed factions under greater state control Wionews.