The US and Saudi Arabia bombed pro-Iranian terrorist camps in Iraq

The United States and Saudi Arabia launched a joint military operation on Tuesday against positions of Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq, in a strong response to an escalation of drone attacks directed against U.S. forces and Saudi strategic installations. The offensive, supported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), represents so far the most direct military reaction from Washington and Riyadh to the actions of armed groups linked to the Iranian regime in the region.

According to CENTCOM, the air forces of both countries executed precision strikes against multiple logistical facilities and weapons depots used by pro-Iranian militias. The operation came after more than 30 drone attacks were launched against U.S. positions in the last 72 hours. According to information released by the U.S. military command, none of those attacks succeeded in reaching their targets.

The joint response sends a clear message to the militias backed by Tehran: attacks against U.S. troops and regional allies will have consequences. CENTCOM stated that between February and April 2026, there were over 600 attempted attacks against U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned groups in Iraq. In light of this situation, the agency warned that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its allied groups must cease their operations to avoid an even greater military response.

Saudi Arabia confirmed its participation in the operation after denouncing a series of drone attacks against oil facilities within its territory. The spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, General Turki al-Maliki, reported that the kingdom's air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province.

Al-Maliki described the attacks as ''terrorist attempts'' and noted that the drones had been launched from Iraqi territory by militias linked to Iran. The official also recalled that Riyadh had detected similar attacks in the previous days, including drones directed against strategic facilities both in the Eastern Province and in the Riyadh area.

Saudi Arabia's ability to intercept the drones prevented greater damage to critical energy infrastructure for the country and for international markets. However, the attacks represented a new provocation by armed groups operating from Iraq with Tehran's support. In response to the escalation, the Saudi government left open the possibility of responding ''at the right time and place,'' a warning that was ultimately followed by the joint operation with the United States.

The offensive also increases pressure on the Iraqi government. Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi ordered an investigation into the Saudi allegations and promised to analyze the available evidence to take legal action against those responsible. Baghdad reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a platform to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

However, the problem continues to be the presence of dozens of Iran-backed Shiite militias that, although formally part of the Iraqi Armed Forces, maintain their own structures and operational capabilities. These groups have intensified their actions since the beginning of the war between Iran and its adversaries at the end of February, expanding their attacks against U.S. positions and targets linked to Gulf countries.

The situation has forced the Iraqi government to move towards a disarmament process for these organizations, although the plan remains stalled and has a deadline of the end of September. International pressure on Baghdad also intensified after Saudi Arabia summoned the Iraqi ambassador in April to protest against the ongoing and blatant drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory.