Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that its armed forces carried out precision strikes against Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the operation targeted militia positions linked to recent drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi oil facilities. Riyadh said the strikes were conducted in coordination with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and were carried out under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing the Kingdom’s inherent right to self-defense. Saudi officials also referenced a Quranic verse affirming the right to respond to aggression.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media appear to show repeated secondary explosions at a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) ammunition depot in Ad Dayr, Basra Governorate, consistent with stored ammunition detonating after an initial strike. While the footage has been widely shared,
The strikes follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement earlier this week that it had intercepted multiple drones allegedly launched by Iran-backed militias from Iraqi territory targeting key Saudi energy infrastructure.
