Saudi Arabia joins US in strikes on Iran-backed militia
Saudi Arabia and the United States have launched joint military strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq following a series of drone attacks on energy infrastructure. This action marks a significant escalation in regional tensions after Iran attempted to target US forces and oil tankers.
Why it matters
The coordinated military response signals a potential shift in Middle Eastern security dynamics and risks broader regional conflict.
Image source, AFP Image caption, 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.
The US said the Iranian attack occurred at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT) on Tuesday, with all missiles "successfully intercepted".
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