The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint airstrikes in Iraq on Wednesday morning, targeting what the U.S. military described as Iran-linked armed groups responsible for recent attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.
In a statement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation targeted militant infrastructure and weapons storage facilities at multiple locations in eastern Iraq. The military described the strikes as a response to 30 drone attacks launched over the past 72 hours, which it alleged were carried out by Iraqi militias under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to CENTCOM, the recent drone attacks were aimed at Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, prompting the joint military response.
The command also claimed that Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups have carried out more than 600 attacks against U.S. and Saudi personnel and infrastructure between February and April. It warned that the militias should halt further attacks if they wish to avoid additional military action.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed its participation in the operation, saying the strikes were conducted in coordination with U.S. Central Command and were aimed at Iraqi militias responsible for attacks on the kingdom’s petroleum infrastructure.
Earlier this week, drone attacks targeted petroleum facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and the Riyadh region, raising concerns over the security of the kingdom’s critical energy sector.
Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said Riyadh does not seek further escalation but warned that Saudi Arabia would respond if the Iraqi militias launch additional attacks.
The reported strikes mark a significant escalation in regional tensions, as the United States and Saudi Arabia increase military pressure on Iran-linked armed groups operating in Iraq.
