Saudi Airstrikes in Iraq Targeted Iran-Backed Militias During Regional Conflict, Sources Say

Saudi fighter jets carried out airstrikes on Iran backed Shi’ite militia targets inside Iraq during the regional conflict involving Iran, according to multiple sources . The strikes reportedly targeted militia positions near Saudi Arabia’s northern border after repeated drone and missile attacks threatened Gulf states.

Sources said the attacks formed part of a wider but mostly undisclosed military response during the war that followed US Israeli strikes on Iran and later spread across the Middle East.

According to Iraqi security and military officials, along with Western sources, Saudi warplanes targeted locations believed to be used by Tehran-linked militias for launching drone and missile operations against Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries. Some of the strikes reportedly took place around the April 7 US-Iran ceasefire period.

Kuwait Also Linked to Retaliatory Strikes

Military assessments cited by Iraqi officials claimed retaliatory rocket strikes were also launched from Kuwaiti territory into Iraq on at least two occasions. One attack reportedly struck militia sites in southern Iraq, killing several fighters and damaging a communications and drone facility used by Kataib Hezbollah.

However, it remains unclear whether the strikes were carried out by Kuwaiti forces or US military personnel stationed in Kuwait.

Gulf States Increased Pressure on Iraq

The reported military actions came after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait repeatedly warned Iraq to stop attacks by Iran backed militias. Kuwait reportedly summoned Iraqi officials three times during the conflict, while Saudi Arabia formally protested continued drone and missile attacks.

Officials said Iraqi forces intercepted some attempted strikes, including a rocket launcher near Basra allegedly aimed at Saudi energy facilities.