US, Saudi Arabia Launch Airstrikes On Iran-Backed Sites In Iraq After Drone Attacks

The United States , 29 July : The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted precision airstrikes against Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq on Tuesday (local time), following more than 30 drone attacks targeting American troops and Saudi energy infrastructure, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple logistics and weapons facilities used by the groups.

US Central Command said the operation was carried out in response to aerial attacks launched over the previous 72 hours under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

CENTCOM stated that the attacks on US forces were unsuccessful.

However, it did not identify the targeted groups or disclose the exact locations of the strikes beyond saying they took place across eastern Iraq.

The command also withheld details on casualties and the extent of damage caused by the operation.

CENTCOM Reports Missile Attacks

According to CENTCOM, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq attempted more than 600 attacks on US citizens and facilities between February and April 2026.

The command warned that the IRGC and its allied groups must halt such attacks to avoid further US military action.

The airstrikes coincided with heightened military activity across the West Asia.

CENTCOM said the IRGC launched several ballistic missiles from Iran at 5:45 pm. Eastern Time in what it described as an attempted surprise attack on US forces stationed in the region.

It said all the missiles were successfully intercepted but did not disclose how many were fired, where they were intercepted, the intended targets or the defence systems used.

America’s Steel Wall Blockade Against Iran

Separately, CENTCOM said more than 20 US Navy warships were operating across the West Asia in support of military missions, including enforcement of what it described as America’s ‘steel wall blockade’ against Iran.

As of July 28, the command said it had redirected 18 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded another two as part of those operations, without identifying the vessels, their cargo or the waters involved.