The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that US and Saudi Arabian forces carried out joint precision strikes against “Iran-aligned groups” in Iraq.
"U.S. Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes in Iraq, July 28, against Iran-aligned terrorists that IRGC directed to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure," CENTCOM said in a statement.
US and Saudi fighter jets targeted multiple logistics and weapons facilities in eastern Iraq, responding to more than 30 drone attacks directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over the previous 72 hours, the statement said.
"The unwarranted attacks against U.S. forces were not successful," the command said.
CENTCOM said that between February and April, Iran-aligned groups in Iraq carried out more than 600 "attempted attacks" on US citizens and facilities.
"The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response," it added.
"Precise and targeted strikes"
Separately, the Saudi Defence Ministry said early on Wednesday that its joint strikes with the US against Iranian-aligned group targets in Iraq were carried out in response to attacks launched from Iraqi territory on petroleum facilities in the kingdom.
Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises the right of self-defence, the ministry said Saudi Arabia and the US carried out "precise and targeted strikes" on targets in Iraq linked to the attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.
"The Kingdom emphasises that it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces," it added.
Local media claimed that the US and Saudi Arabia were conducting attacks against the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).
Explosions were reported in several parts of Iraq, including Basra and Wasit province south of Baghdad.
The command of the PMF in Basra said its headquarters was attacked by airstrikes at 2 a.m. local time Wednesday (2300GMT Tuesday).
Missiles target Jordan
The development came as Iran launched missiles toward US military bases in Jordan, according to local and Iranian media reports.
The reports said early on Wednesday that the missiles were fired toward US installations in the country, with air defence systems trying to intercept the incoming projectiles.
In a statement, the US Central Command said that Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missiles against US forces based in the region, without specifying the location.
"Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East," CENTCOM said.
"All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness."
