## Saudi Arabia Conducted Covert Airstrikes Against Iraqi Militias During Gulf Conflict, Sources Claim
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against militia positions inside Iraq during recent hostilities, according to sources familiar with the operations. The strikes reportedly targeted armed groups operating near the Persian Gulf region, representing an escalation in Riyadh's direct military engagement beyond its borders during the ongoing conflict.

The attacks formed part of a wider pattern of unilateral military actions by Gulf states that remained largely unacknowledged as the war between the United States and Israel against Iran unfolded. Sources indicate that Saudi Arabia, along with other regional actors, carried out strikes designed to weaken proxy forces aligned with Tehran while avoiding direct attribution that could widen the conflict.

The operations underscore the expanding scope of military activity around the Persian Gulf beyond the initial U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iranian targets. Iraqi airspace became a secondary battleground where regional powers pursued their own strategic objectives, with Riyadh moved to check Iranian-linked militia capabilities that could threaten Saudi interests or coalition forces.

The full extent of Saudi Arabia's involvement has remained classified, with officials maintaining ambiguity about the specific nature and scale of cross-border operations. Intelligence assessments suggest the strikes reflect a deliberate strategy by Riyadh to project military power independently while major coalition partners focused on direct action against Iranian assets. The disclosure of these operations raises questions about coordination mechanisms between Saudi Arabia and its Western allies, and whether Baghdad was consulted or informed before the strikes occurred.
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- **Source**: Japan Times
- **Sector**: The Network
- **Tags**: Saudi Arabia, Iraq militias, Persian Gulf, Iran conflict, covert operations
- **Credibility**: unverified
- **Published**: 2026-05-14 03:18:22
- **ID**: 82873
- **URL**: https://whisperx.ai/en/intel/82873