The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint precision strikes in eastern Iraq on Tuesday, targeting what the US Central Command (CENTCOM) described as Iran-aligned terrorist groups accused of planning attacks on American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

CENTCOM said the operation was launched after more than 30 drones, allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were launched over a 72-hour period targeting US personnel and critical facilities in Saudi Arabia.

CENTCOM Says Strikes Targeted IRGC-Linked Groups

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple logistics and weapons sites linked to Iran-backed groups operating in Iraq.

“U.S. Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes in Iraq, July 28, against Iran-aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. The unwarranted attacks against U.S. forces were not successful,” the statement said.

CENTCOM also said more than 600 attempted attacks on US citizens and facilities in Iraq by Iran-aligned militias had been recorded between February and April 2026.

The command warned that the IRGC and its affiliated groups must immediately cease attacks or risk further US military action.

Saudi Arabia Confirms Operation

Saudi Arabia also confirmed its participation in the military operation.

Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defence, said the Kingdom’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed multiple drones launched from Iraqi territory that were targeting petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions.

He said the subsequent military action was carried out under the Kingdom’s right to self-defence as recognised under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Al-Maliki added that the strikes, conducted in coordination with CENTCOM, targeted militia sites directly linked to the cross-border drone attacks and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory and strategic infrastructure.

Explosions Reported Across Northern Iraq

The joint operation came after several explosions were reported in Erbil and other parts of northern Iraq early on Tuesday.

According to Al Jazeera, citing police sources, at least four Iranian drones targeted locations in the Khalifan and Soran areas northeast of Erbil, including areas near the US Consulate.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing Iraqi sources, also reported that an American drone had been destroyed in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Local media published images purportedly showing the wreckage of a US drone near the Haditha Dam.

IRIB further reported that the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah was also targeted as military activity intensified across northern and western Iraq.

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