US and Saudi Forces Strike Iran-Backed Militias in Eastern Iraq
Iraq
Salah Malkawi/Getty Images/Getty
What Happened
Key Implications
What Happened
Key Implications
Where Sources Agree
- arrows_inputJoint US-Saudi Strikes: Sources align on the execution of joint U.S. and Saudi precision airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq, noting the operation targeted logistics and weapons facilities used to launch over 30 drone attacks in the previous 72 hours, according to CENTCOM and the Saudi Ministry of Defence.
- arrows_inputIntercepted Iranian Missile Attack: Most accounts emphasize that Iran launched an attempted surprise attack using ballistic missiles against a U.S. base in Jordan on Wednesday, though all projectiles were intercepted and destroyed by air defenses, according to CENTCOM and the Jordanian military.
- arrows_inputNetanyahu-Trump White House Meeting: Some outlets verify that President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first White House meeting since the war began on Tuesday, characterizing the discussion as positive and productive, according to White House and official statements.
Where Sources Disagree
- arrows_outputCasualties from Iraq Strikes: The Popular Mobilization Forces report that 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded during the strikes. However, U.S. and Saudi officials focus their reporting on the destruction of logistics and weapons sites, notably omitting any mention of casualties resulting from the operation.
- arrows_outputSaudi Oil Facility Attacks: US and Saudi officials attribute recent drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure to Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. In contrast, Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the strikes, framing them as part of their own ongoing offensive against the kingdom.
Timeline
July 29, 2026
Warnings, broader impact, oil rise: CENTCOM warned the IRGC and its proxies to halt attacks or risk further U.S. military action, while the strikes marked Saudi Arabia’s first announced foray alongside U.S. forces in the war; the exchanges contributed to a jump in oil prices (Brent up roughly 4% to about $87).
July 29, 2026
Reported casualties and Iraqi reaction: Following the strikes, Iraqi and militia sources reported deaths, injuries and property damage—AFP and other sources said at least 10 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces were killed—and Iraq’s prime minister called an emergency security meeting to investigate. The PMF said several of its headquarters were hit, with casualties and damage reported.
July 29, 2026
U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq: In response to recent IRGC-directed attacks, U.S. and Saudi warplanes carried out coordinated precision strikes against Iran-aligned militia logistics, weapons and weapons-storage sites in eastern Iraq, citing that the operation responded to more than 30 drone attacks within the prior 72 hours. CENTCOM and the Saudi defense ministry confirmed the joint strikes.
Summaries by Ground AI
Sources
See All 421Most Written About
The stories getting the most coverage from the last 24 hours
Timeline
July 29, 2026
Warnings, broader impact, oil rise: CENTCOM warned the IRGC and its proxies to halt attacks or risk further U.S. military action, while the strikes marked Saudi Arabia’s first announced foray alongside U.S. forces in the war; the exchanges contributed to a jump in oil prices (Brent up roughly 4% to about $87).
July 29, 2026
Reported casualties and Iraqi reaction: Following the strikes, Iraqi and militia sources reported deaths, injuries and property damage—AFP and other sources said at least 10 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces were killed—and Iraq’s prime minister called an emergency security meeting to investigate. The PMF said several of its headquarters were hit, with casualties and damage reported.
July 29, 2026
U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq: In response to recent IRGC-directed attacks, U.S. and Saudi warplanes carried out coordinated precision strikes against Iran-aligned militia logistics, weapons and weapons-storage sites in eastern Iraq, citing that the operation responded to more than 30 drone attacks within the prior 72 hours. CENTCOM and the Saudi defense ministry confirmed the joint strikes.
