20 Militants Killed As US-Saudi Airstrikes Hit Iran-Backed Groups

At least 20 militants have been killed and 32 others injured following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Saudi Arabia on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, intensifying tensions in the Middle East.

Key Highlights:

• US and Saudi airstrikes killed 20 militants in Iraq.
• Five Iranian military advisers were also reported killed.
• The strikes followed attacks on US troops and Saudi facilities.
• Iraq condemned the strikes as a sovereignty violation.
• Iran-backed militias threatened retaliation against the US and Saudi Arabia.

The Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), confirmed the casualties, while Iraqi officials disclosed that five Iranian military advisers were among those killed in a strike targeting positions in Diyala Province.

Washington and Riyadh said the operation was launched in retaliation for recent attacks on US military personnel and Saudi oil infrastructure, which they attributed to Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq.

US President Donald Trump reportedly stated that the military action was conducted in coordination with the Iraqi government.

The strikes come as the United States increases pressure on Baghdad to dismantle pro-Iran armed groups that have repeatedly attacked American military bases and demanded the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

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In response, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed factions, warned that retaliation against the United States was “inevitable” and indicated that Saudi Arabia could also become a target. However, the group said any response would be delayed until after the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

The Iraqi government condemned the airstrikes, describing them as a violation of the country’s sovereignty regardless of the reasons advanced by Washington and Riyadh.

Baghdad also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Iraqi territory is not used as a launch pad for attacks against neighbouring countries.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has directed armed groups operating in the country to surrender their weapons before September 30, as part of efforts to strengthen state authority and ease escalating regional tensions.