Saudi Arabia has announced military strikes on what it described as positions linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq following recent drone attacks targeting the Kingdom’s oil facilities. The operation marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.
According to Arab media reports, the strikes were carried out in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Saudi officials said the operation targeted groups allegedly responsible for attacks on the Kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure.
Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the Royal Saudi Air Force struck four locations in Iraq, including Basra, Wasit, Karbala, and the Nineveh Plains. He stated that Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory had continued hostile activities against Saudi Arabia, prompting a military response.
Al-Maliki said the operation was aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia’s national security, energy infrastructure, and economic interests. He added that the Kingdom reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, citizens, and strategic facilities against future threats.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also confirmed the strikes, saying they were conducted under the right to self-defence as recognised in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The ministry alleged that Iran-backed militias launched drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities from Iraqi territory, leading to what it described as a limited and targeted military operation.
Saudi Arabia said it does not seek a wider regional conflict but would continue taking necessary measures to protect its security and national interests if further threats emerge. The Kingdom maintained that the strikes were defensive in nature.
Separately, US officials said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles toward a US military base in Jordan. According to US authorities, all incoming missiles were intercepted by American air defence systems before reaching their target, and no casualties or damage were reported.
In a statement posted on social media, US Central Command said all American personnel stationed across the Middle East remain safe and that forces in the region are on high alert. US officials also stated that more than 20 US Navy warships are currently deployed across the Middle East, including missions related to maritime security and operations involving Iran.
