# Coordinated US and Saudi Airstrikes Target Iraqi Militia Sites Following Missile Attacks

> In a major escalation of Middle East tensions, US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated airstrikes against militia sites in eastern Iraq following drone and missile attacks, driving crude oil prices sharply higher.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Middle East · **Published:** 2026-07-29 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/middle-east/misaila-hamalon-ke-bada-iraq-men-us-aura-saudi-arabia-ki-sajha-karravai-sainya-thikane-tabaha-11743 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** US, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Centcom, Donald Trump, Crude Oil, Military Strike

The military conflict in the Middle East has intensified significantly after US and Saudi fighter jets conducted joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militia locations in eastern Iraq. The coordinated operation followed a barrage of over 30 aerial drone attacks launched over the previous 72 hours targeting US military personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure. The resurgence of direct military action ends a temporary pause in hostilities and has heightened concerns over regional security and international energy transport routes.

## Coordinated Strikes and Centcom Directives
US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the joint air campaign, stating that American and Saudi fighter jets struck multiple logistics hubs and weapons storage facilities across eastern Iraq. Military officials emphasized that the operation was executed in direct response to continuous drone assaults directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Describing the proxy strikes as unwarranted and unsuccessful, Centcom issued a stern warning regarding future military engagements. **"The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,"** the Centcom statement declared.

## Militia Losses and Casualty Reports
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella organization comprising several pro-Iranian armed factions in Iraq, acknowledged the bombardment and reported significant casualties. According to the PMF, at least 10 of its members were killed during the joint US-Saudi air raids. The organization denounced the strikes as a dangerous escalation that directly violates Iraq's national sovereignty. The PMF serves as a key proxy network utilized by Tehran to exert regional influence and has routinely conducted strikes against American positions to force the complete withdrawal of remaining US troops from Iraqi territory.

## Ballistic Missile Barrage and Maritime Incidents
The joint air offensive followed a major missile confrontation earlier in the week. According to Centcom, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack directed at US forces in the region at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT) on Tuesday. All incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by air defense systems. Iranian state outlets reported that the IRGC claimed to have targeted a US military installation located in Jordan. Additionally, reports citing the Tasnim News Agency indicated that the IRGC claimed to have struck three oil tankers navigating through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

## Drone Strikes on Saudi Petroleum Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia's defense forces were also actively engaged on Tuesday, neutralizing aerial threats aimed at critical domestic infrastructure. Defence ministry spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki stated that Saudi military systems successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple attack drones targeting petroleum facilities located in the country's eastern region. Military authorities asserted that the unmanned aircraft were launched from Iraqi territory by militia groups affiliated with Iran.

## Diplomatic Negotiations and Military Casualties
The renewal of direct strikes comes just two days after US President Donald Trump referenced very friendly negotiations taking place with Iranian officials. Prior to the latest exchange, both sides had observed a three-day lull in active combat. That brief intermission followed 13 consecutive nights of intensive US bombing raids across southern Iran, which targeted transport tunnels and bridges and resulted in numerous reported fatalities. Control and navigate rights regarding the Strait of Hormuz remain a central point of contention in diplomatic discussions, though authorities in Tehran continue to deny that any formal negotiations are underway.

The latest strikes coincided with diplomatic activity in Washington, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House to hold talks with Trump. During his visit, Netanyahu also attended the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent proponent of firm policies against Iran. Updated Pentagon records reveal that at least 624 US military service members have sustained injuries since Trump authorized military strikes against Iranian targets in February. Defense officials noted that 417 of those injuries occurred specifically during Operation Epic Fury, the joint military initiative conducted by US and Israeli forces.

## Global Market Reactions and Energy Surge
Heightened fears of potential disruptions to maritime oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz caused immediate turbulence in international commodity markets. Early Wednesday trading in Asia saw global benchmark Brent crude surge by 4.3 percent to $87.70 (£65.98) per barrel. Concurrently, US-traded crude oil climbed 4.2 percent to reach $82.62 per barrel as energy traders priced in the risks of prolonged military confrontation in the Gulf region.

## What this means for you
**Across India and Globally:** Escalating military conflict and threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed Brent crude oil prices up by over 4%, which could lead to higher fuel prices and increased freight costs worldwide.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who was targeted in the joint US and Saudi airstrikes in Iraq?
US and Saudi fighter jets targeted logistics and weapons storage facilities belonging to Iran-backed militia groups in eastern Iraq following repeated drone attacks.

### 2. How many casualties were reported from the airstrikes?
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) reported that at least 10 of its members were killed during the combined US-Saudi military campaign.

### 3. What recent attacks did Iran execute prior to these airstrikes?
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles toward US forces on Tuesday that were all intercepted, and claimed to have struck three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

### 4. How did oil markets react to the military escalation?
Global benchmark Brent crude rose by 4.3 percent to $87.70 per barrel, while US-traded crude oil increased by 4.2 percent to $82.62 per barrel due to supply disruption fears.

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