Us military central command (centcom): The US military's Central Command announced that US and Saudi forces carried out joint precision strikes against Iranian-aligned groups and their sites in Iraq.

According to Anadolu Agency, CENTCOM reported that the operation, carried out on July 28, targeted Iran-aligned terrorists directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. US and Saudi fighter jets specifically targeted logistics and weapons facilities in eastern Iraq, responding to a series of over 30 drone attacks orchestrated by the IRGC in the preceding 72 hours.

CENTCOM confirmed that the attacks on US forces were unsuccessful and noted that between February and April, Iranian-aligned groups conducted more than 600 attempted attacks on US citizens and facilities. The command warned that such groups must cease their attacks to avoid further US military responses.

The Saudi Defense Ministry also released a statement affirming that the joint strikes were a response to attacks launched from Iraqi territory on Saudi petroleum facilities. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which supports the right to self-defense, the ministry emphasized the precision and targeting of the strikes on Iraqi targets linked to the assaults on Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia stated it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression.

Local media reported that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition mostly comprised of Iranian-backed Shia armed groups, were the targets of these strikes. Explosions were reported in various parts of Iraq, including Basra and Wasit province. The PMF in Basra confirmed its headquarters was attacked by airstrikes early Wednesday morning.

The PMF released a statement condemning the attacks by US and Saudi forces as "treacherous terrorist attacks" that resulted in deaths, injuries, and damage to several buildings and properties. They labeled the incident a dangerous escalation, violating Iraq's sovereignty and attacking its official security institutions. Iraqi authorities are currently assessing the situation, monitoring casualties, and evaluating the damage caused by the strikes.