US, Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq, Kill 20
Operation follows drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, raising fears of wider conflict.
Dubai, Cairo: The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq on Wednesday, marking an escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.
Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces said at least 20 members were killed and 32 wounded in the strikes targeting multiple bases. Washington and Riyadh said the action was in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory.
US President Donald Trump signalled further action against Iran, saying, “We're going to beat the fuxxxxx shit out of them.”
Iran confirmed it had fired missiles at US bases in Jordan and targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed hostilities follow a brief pause in June when the US and Iran reached an interim understanding. The conflict has since resumed, with tensions persisting for nearly five months.
The joint operation marks the first publicly acknowledged participation by Saudi Arabia in strikes alongside the US in the current phase of the conflict, raising concerns of a wider regional escalation involving Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Shia groups.
Iraq’s government convened an emergency meeting and urged all sides to avoid escalation. The presidency termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty while also calling for an end to attacks by armed groups on neighbouring countries.
Iran said the strikes were an attempt to widen the conflict, while an Iran-backed group, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, warned that US and Saudi forces would face consequences.
The situation has been further complicated by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Iran reiterated its control over the strait and opposed a joint management proposal backed by Oman and Gulf states.
The US military said it had earlier intercepted an Iranian missile attack targeting its personnel in the region, while Jordan reported shooting down five missiles.
The developments come amid heightened regional activity, including attacks on shipping routes and oil infrastructure, and increased movement of pilgrims between Iran and Iraq.
