WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD, July 28, 2026 — The United States military said U.S. and Saudi Arabian fighter aircraft carried out airstrikes on Tuesday against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq following what it described as a series of recent drone attacks.
In a statement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted militants affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it accused of directing attacks against U.S. forces and Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.
CENTCOM warned that the IRGC and its affiliated groups must cease such attacks or face additional military action.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed its participation in the operation. The Saudi Ministry of Defense said the strikes targeted militia positions in Iraq that it linked to attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Days earlier, Riyadh had urged the Iraqi government to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory. Iraqi authorities said they had ordered an investigation into the incidents.
Meanwhile, Iraqi militias aligned with Iran said several of their bases across Iraq had come under airstrikes carried out by U.S. and Saudi forces.
Reuters could not independently verify the claims made by the parties involved, and there was no immediate comment from Iranian officials.
U.S., Saudi Arabia Launch Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq
