Saudi Arabia and US Carry Out Joint Strikes in Iraq

Saudi and US armed forces executed targeted strikes against Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq, citing self-defense after recent drone attacks on Saudi petroleum facilities.

Key points

• Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki stated the operation was based on the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
• The US Central Command confirmed joint precision strikes in Iraq on July 28 targeting Iran-aligned groups directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
• Iraqi security sources reported explosions and targeted sites in areas including Wasit and Basra provinces.

Why it matters

This military action marks a significant escalation involving cross-border strikes by Saudi Arabia and the United States against Iran-backed groups in Iraq in response to attacks on energy infrastructure.