Iran launches 'attempted surprise attack' on American forces in Middle East, US military says
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following an attempted Iranian missile attack on US forces and subsequent retaliatory strikes by the US and Saudi Arabia. The conflict has resulted in casualties among Iran-backed militias and damage to regional infrastructure.
Why it matters
This represents a significant military escalation in the Middle East, threatening regional stability and global energy supply routes.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google David Gritten AFP Iraqi security and emergency personnel work at the scene of a strike in Muqdadiyah, Diyala province on Wednesday Saudi Arabia and the US have carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, in a potential escalation of the Middle East conflict.
US Central Command (Centcom) said the strikes were against "Iran-aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure".
Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which is dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias, said at least 20 of its members had been killed in US-Saudi strikes on its bases.
It came hours after Centcom said Iran had launched missiles at US forces in the Middle East in an "attempted surprise attack", ending a lull in hostilities.
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