United States and Saudi forces launched joint airstrikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq on July 28, 2026, according to statements from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The military action followed a series of drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting American troops and Saudi energy infrastructure, escalating regional security tensions.
Joint U.S. and Saudi Airstrikes Target Pro-Iranian Militias in Iraq
American and Saudi fighter jets struck targets belonging to militias aligned with Iran in retaliation for recent aerial assaults on coalition positions and oil facilities. According to a CENTCOM statement published by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the operation targeted terrorists allied with Iran who were ordered by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to strike U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed its participation in the joint raids, stating the strikes hit militia targets in Iraq connected to previous attacks on the kingdom’s oil installations. The military action arrived just after Riyadh intercepted drone strikes targeting eastern Saudi Arabia, prompting a call from Riyadh for the Iraqi government to prevent attacks launched from its territory. In response, Baghdad ordered an official investigation into the drone incursions.
CENTCOM Details Intercepted Ballistic Missiles and IRGC Operations
The joint strikes occurred shortly after a new wave of missile fire from Iran aimed at American positions in the Middle East. According to CENTCOM, IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles in a sudden attack targeting U.S. troops stationed in the region. The military confirmed that all incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted, resulting in no significant damage.
This engagement marked the first military exchange following a brief pause agreed upon by the involved parties. Following the attempted strikes, CENTCOM issued a stern warning, stating that the IRGC and its terrorist proxies must halt their assaults to avoid further U.S. military responses.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who carried out the airstrikes in Iraq on July 28, 2026?
United States and Saudi fighter jets conducted the joint airstrikes against pro-Iranian militias, according to CENTCOM and the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
What triggered the joint U.S. and Saudi military response?
The airstrikes were launched in retaliation for recent drone and ballistic missile attacks directed at U.S. forces and Saudi oil infrastructure by groups backed by Iran.
Were there any damages reported from the Iranian missile launch?
U.S. military officials reported no significant damage, noting that all ballistic missiles launched by the IRGC were successfully intercepted.
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