At least 20 killed in U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq: former paramilitaries
U.S. and Saudi forces conducted joint airstrikes against Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases in Iraq, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 32 injuries. The strikes were framed as a response to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, while the PMF condemned the action as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
Why it matters
This escalation marks a significant shift in regional security dynamics, involving direct U.S.-Saudi military coordination against Iran-backed factions in Iraq.
U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iraq on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) killed at least 20 members of a former paramilitary alliance that includes pro-Iran groups, the alliance said.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an alliance of former paramilitary groups and factions now integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said at least 20 fighters “were martyred and another 32 wounded according to a preliminary toll” following the U.S.-Saudi strikes on its bases in seven provinces.
The United States and Saudi Arabia said they had struck Iran-backed militants in Iraq in response to attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi oil facilities.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
The PMF is an alliance of paramilitaries and factions created in 2014 to fight jihadists and is now integrated into the Iraqi armed forces.
Iran-backed groups have brigades that operate within the alliance, but many of these groups have a reputation for acting on their own.
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