U.S. and Saudi Arabia Conduct Strikes Against Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq

The United States, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, has initiated joint military strikes targeting Iranian-backed terrorist groups in Eastern Iraq, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM explained that these strikes were a response to over 30 drone attacks aimed at U.S. forces and Saudi infrastructure in Iraq, which were directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Fighter jets from both nations focused on logistics and weapon sites in the region, making it clear that previous attacks against U.S. forces were unsuccessful.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense corroborated this information in a statement released on the same day.

Major General Turki al-Maliki, a spokesperson for the ministry, noted that terrorist groups targeted oil facilities on Monday and Tuesday in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. He added that, in coordination with CENTCOM, Saudi forces struck those militia targets in Iraq linked to the recent assaults.

From February to April, CENTCOM reported that terrorist militias in Iraq launched approximately 600 attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities, with the backing of Iran.

“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,” CENTCOM stated.

On the same day, CENTCOM reported that IRGC forces launched ballistic missiles from Iran around 5:45 p.m. ET in what was described as an attempt at a surprise attack against U.S. forces in the region.

“All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted,” CENTCOM confirmed.

President Donald Trump reacted on Wednesday to the Iranian attacks on U.S. forces, which were reportedly located in Jordan. He indicated to Fox News that a strong retaliation would follow.

“We’re going to beat the f***ing sh** out of them,” he said, as reported by Fox News. “We’ll be hitting them hard.”

These recent hostilities mark an apparent escalation, especially after tensions seemed to be decreasing over the preceding week. After 13 straight days of attacks on Iran, CENTCOM had not reported any new strikes starting from Friday, coinciding with claims that Iran was engaging in talks with the U.S.

The uptick in conflict has led to a rise in oil prices, which were reported at $84 per barrel of crude as of Wednesday, according to Trading Economics. The national average for gas prices sits at approximately $4.09 per gallon, as noted by AAA.