US Saudi strike Iran-backed militias Iraq
The gist
US and Saudi aircraft struck Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq, and the PMF said at least 20 of its members were killed.
The strikes answer drone attacks on Saudi oil sites, widening a US-Iran conflict into Iraq.
How it unfolded
- Jul 26, 2026 -28, 2026Iran-backed militias escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia and on the Kurdistan Region.
- Jul 28, 2026US Central Command and Saudi Arabia's Armed Forces carry out precision strikes on militia logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq, citing over 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks in 72 hours. The strikes come as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visits Turkey after trips to Iran and the US.
- Jul 29, 2026The PMF says at least 20 of its members were killed in the strikes on its bases; a report says the strikes killed at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.
Key terms
- PMF
- An Iran-backed umbrella of Iraqi paramilitary militias that is formally part of the Iraqi security forces but acts largely independently.
- IRGC
- A multi-service military force of Iran, separate from the regular army and reporting to the supreme leader.
- Kataib Hezbollah
- An Iran-backed Iraqi Shia paramilitary militia and a nominal component of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
Source: Wikipedia