US and Saudi warplanes targeted Iran-aligned militants in Iraq following a series of drone attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Key facts
- •US and Saudi warplanes targeted Iran-aligned militants in Iraq on July 29.
- •The strikes were in response to more than two dozen drone attacks against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
- •Saudi Arabia confirmed it targeted militias linked to attacks on its oil facilities.
- •CENTCOM reported that all Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday were intercepted.
- •Riyadh requested that the Iraqi government prevent further attacks originating from its territory.
US and Saudi warplanes conducted strikes on Tuesday, July 29, against Iran-backed militants in Iraq. The US military stated the operation targeted groups directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Military Response and Objectives
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the militants had launched more than two dozen drone attacks in recent days. The command warned that the IRGC and its proxies must stop these attacks to prevent further US military action. Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry confirmed its participation, stating the strikes hit targets linked to attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities.
Regional Tensions and Intercepted Attacks
The strikes followed reports from the Saudi defense ministry that its forces intercepted drones targeting oil facilities in the east. Separately, CENTCOM reported that Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, though all were intercepted. Prior to these events, both sides had observed a brief pause in hostilities over the weekend.
Timeline
- WeekendBoth sides held fire following nearly two weeks of reciprocal strikes.
- Tuesday (Jul 29)Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East, which were intercepted.
- Tuesday (Jul 29)US and Saudi warplanes conducted strikes against Iran-backed militants in Iraq.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Channel NewsAsia.
