US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq Push Region into ‘Uncharted Territory’

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The United States and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and pushing the region into what analysts call “uncharted territory.” The strikes targeted sites linked to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a state-sanctioned umbrella of armed groups. Riyadh’s decision to publicly join the US operation adds a new and complicating dimension to an already widening conflict. Experts warn that the war is becoming increasingly “unpredictable,” with no clear limits on escalation. The PMF includes factions loyal to Iran, which has long used them to project power in Iraq. By striking these sites, the US and Saudi Arabia directly challenge Tehran’s influence in the region. Analysts say this risks sparking a broader confrontation that could draw in more actors and destabilize the Middle East further.