- Western intelligence sources confirmed Saudi warplanes conducted retaliatory strikes against Iraqi-based militias that launched projectiles at the kingdom
- The operations were part of a wider regional escalation in early 2026 involving direct conflict between Iran and a US-led coalition
- Saudi Arabia summoned Iraq's ambassador in April 2026 to formally protest attacks originating from Iraqi soil by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
- Market analysts noted that the strikes targeted groups threatening the Shaybah oil field and Prince Sultan Air Base to protect critical energy infrastructure
- Expert consensus suggests the covert nature of the strikes was intended to maintain plausible deniability while deterring further proxy aggression
Saudi Arabia launched covert airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq during regional conflict
May 13, 2026, 4:40:57 PM UTC(2 hours ago)
Impact: High
Affected Assets
Sources
From:@DeItaone
SAUDI WARPLANES STRUCK IRAN-BACKED MILITIA SITES IN IRAQ DURING WAR, SOURCES SAY