Saudi Arabia Strikes Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq with US Support
Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), launched joint airstrikes targeting the headquarters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) across Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday (29/07/2026). The surprise attack killed at least eight PMF members and wounded four others.
The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that the measured strikes were launched as a direct response to recent waves of drone attacks on the kingdom’s oil facilities. Saudi air defence systems had previously intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting oil refineries in the Eastern Province and the Riyadh region.
Saudi authorities asserted that the attacking drones were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed armed militias. However, Riyadh stressed that it does not seek a wider escalation of conflict in the region. “The Kingdom emphasises that it does not desire escalation, but will respond to any aggression it faces,” the Ministry of Defence stated.
The PMF strongly condemned the joint strikes, calling them a grave violation of Iraqi sovereignty. The militia group warned that the attack on their headquarters represents a dangerous escalation for the country’s security and stability. “This attack is a very dangerous escalation and a clear violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and its official security institutions,” the PMF said in a statement.
Amid the diplomatic fallout, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is scheduled to make an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The visit comes just days after al-Zaidi ordered Iraqi security agencies to investigate the perpetrators behind the drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The Iraqi military has reiterated its commitment to preventing its national territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries, vowing to take firm action against any group attempting to disrupt the security of friendly nations.
Meanwhile, the pro-Iran militia alliance known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has vehemently denied any involvement in the attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. The group dismissed the Saudi government’s accusations as pure fabrication. “The Saudi claims are fabricated. Any foolish action taken by Saudi Arabia will be met with a very harsh response,” a representative of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq threatened in response to the allegations.