Saudi Arabia and the United States have carried out strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq following a series of drone attacks targeting Saudi territory, according to Saudi authorities.
The Saudi Ministry of Defence said the military action took place early Wednesday in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Saudi officials described the strikes as a response to recent drone attacks that they say originated from Iraqi territory.
According to the ministry, Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed several drones that were heading toward petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions.
Saudi Arabia blamed Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq for the attacks.
Related: US Iran War Latest News: Seventh Night of Strikes
Saudi Arabia warns against further attacks.
The Saudi government said it does not want the situation to develop into a wider conflict but warned that it would defend itself against further attacks.
The strikes come as tensions continue to rise across the region, with Iran-backed armed groups facing growing pressure over attacks linked to the wider Middle East conflict.
Saudi authorities have also raised concerns about the use of Iraqi territory to launch attacks against the kingdom.
Iraq promises to investigate
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday, shortly after directing Iraqi security agencies to investigate the reported drone attacks.
Iraq’s military said the country would not allow its territory to be used as a launching ground for attacks against other nations.
The Iraqi government has repeatedly faced the difficult task of balancing its relations with neighboring countries while dealing with powerful armed groups operating inside the country.
Iran-backed group denies responsibility.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization representing several Iran-backed armed groups, rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusations.
The group described the Saudi claims as false and warned that any further Saudi military action could trigger a strong response.
The latest strikes add another layer to an already tense regional situation, raising concerns that continued attacks and retaliatory military operations could lead to a broader confrontation.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Latest entries
Movies & TV18 August 2026Uganda Film Festival 2026: Full List of Nominees Revealed- National News17 August 2026URA Arrests Manager over Alleged US$60,000 Bribe
- Celebrity News15 August 2026Chameleone’s Son Abba Marcus Arrested After Split From Pregnant Girlfriend
- Celebrity News15 August 2026BREAKING: Veteran Actor and Playwright Alex Mukulu Dies at 72
