The United States and Saudi Arabia have carried out coordinated airstrikes against multiple sites in eastern Iraq that American officials say were being used by Iran-backed militant groups.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the precision operation took place on July 28 and targeted logistics hubs and weapons facilities linked to armed groups allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Military Says Targets Supported Attacks on U.S. and Saudi Interests
CENTCOM stated that the strikes were aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of Iran-aligned militants accused of planning and supporting attacks against U.S. military personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure.
The operation involved fighter aircraft from both the U.S. Armed Forces and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.
Officials said the targeted facilities were being used to store weapons and coordinate militant activities tied to recent hostilities.
Airstrikes Follow Wave of Drone Assaults
The joint military action came after what U.S. officials described as more than 30 drone attacks over a 72-hour period. CENTCOM attributed those attacks to militant groups operating under the direction of the IRGC.
Despite the frequency of the assaults, U.S. military officials reported that none of the drone attacks successfully achieved their intended objectives or caused significant damage to American forces.
Hundreds of Attempted Attacks Reported This Year
The U.S. military also highlighted a broader pattern of attacks carried out by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.
According to CENTCOM, more than 600 attempted strikes targeting U.S. citizens, personnel, and facilities were recorded between February and April 2026.
American officials said the latest operation was intended to deter further aggression and reduce the ability of militant organizations to launch future attacks.
Warning Issued to Iran-Backed Militias
CENTCOM concluded its statement by warning that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the armed groups it supports should halt attacks against U.S. and allied interests. The command said continued aggression could prompt additional military action in response.
