Iran regional confrontation

US and Saudi aircraft strike Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq after oil-facility drones

This version is a correction.

ATTACK
Location
Eastern Iraq PMF sites (Mosul-area illustrative center)
Actors
United States · Iran
Importance
Major

American and Saudi fighter aircraft struck logistics and weapons sites of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces groups in eastern Iraq, after Riyadh accused Iraqi militias of drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities; PMF sources said at least 20 fighters and several Iranian advisers were killed.

AP reported 29 July 2026 that U.S. and Saudi aircraft hit multiple PMF-linked sites in Iraq (including damage photographed at a Mosul-area base) following alleged drone strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure. PMF officials told AP at least 20 fighters and 32 wounded; two militia officials said six Iranian advisers were killed (Iranian provincial media said four). Saudi Arabia is not a seeded actor on the Iran regional theatre—participants are limited to the United States (initiator) and Iran (target/advisers). The Red Sea Houthi–Saudi track is recorded separately when sourced.

  • Fatalities: Low 24 · High 26 people · Confidence: Probable · Evidence: US launches strikes on Iranian targets a day after it foiled missile attack on American forces, Iraq’s balancing act is only getting harder as the war between the US and Iran widens · PMF: ≥20 fighters; Iranian advisers 4–6 depending on source. Iraqi government condemned strikes.

Verification: Confirmed

Evidence: US launches strikes on Iranian targets a day after it foiled missile attack on American forces, Iraq’s balancing act is only getting harder as the war between the US and Iran widens

Confirmed multi-source reporting of joint U.S.–Saudi strikes and PMF casualty claims; exact adviser count varies by source (4–6).