Joint US-Saudi airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq
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Washington: US and Saudi Arabian forces launched joint precision airstrikes against Iran-aligned group targets in eastern Iraq on Tuesday, following a series of aerial attacks directed at American military personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed.
The retaliatory strikes targeted multiple logistics facilities and weapons depots utilized by the proxy groups. CENTCOM stated the operation was a direct response to more than 30 drone attacks carried out over the preceding 72 hours under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“The unwarranted attacks against U.S. forces were not successful,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
While specific targets and precise locations within eastern Iraq were not disclosed, CENTCOM emphasized the scale of the ongoing threat, noting that Iran-aligned militias in Iraq had attempted over 600 attacks against American citizens and facilities between February and April 2026.
“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,” the command warned.
The operation comes amid a surge in military activity across the Middle East. On Tuesday evening, the IRGC launched several ballistic missiles from Iranian territory at approximately 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time in what military officials described as an attempted surprise attack on regional US positions.
According to CENTCOM, all incoming Iranian missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets. Details regarding the exact number of missiles, the specific defensive systems deployed, and the targeted bases were not released.
In tandem with aerial operations, CENTCOM confirmed that more than 20 US Navy warships are currently active across Middle Eastern waters to enforce America's "steel wall blockade" against Iran.
As of July 28, military forces enforcing compliance had redirected 18 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded another two. Officials have not yet released the identities, flags, or cargo of the commercial ships involved.
(Inputs from IANS)