Saudi and Kuwaiti Strikes Hit Iran-Backed Militia Sites in Iraq

Mistrust between Gulf states and Iraq dates to Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the 2003 U.S. invasion that empowered Tehran-aligned Shi’ite militias like Kataib Hezbollah. They maintain arsenals and have attacked Saudi Arabia and Kuwait from Iraqi territory.

The Straits Timesi24NEWSSaudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters

• 28 Feb 2024: U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran trigger a regional war.

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• Mar 2024: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait warn Baghdad to curb rocket and drone attacks.

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• 7 Apr 2024: U.S.–Iran cease-fire talks begin; rockets reported from Kuwait into Iraq.

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• 12 Apr 2024: Saudi Arabia summons the Iraqi ambassador on 12 April after protests over militia attacks.

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• Late Apr 2024: Saudi fighter jets bomb Iran-linked militia sites near Iraq’s northern border; Kuwaiti rockets hit southern Iraq, killing several fighters and destroying a Kataib Hezbollah communications-drone facility.

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• 13 May 2024: Reuters releases the compiled report.

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Hundreds of drones that hit Gulf targets originated from Iraq. At least two rockets were fired from Kuwaiti territory into Iraq. One Kuwaiti strike killed several fighters and destroyed a Kataib Hezbollah communications-drone facility. Saudi strike casualties remain unverified; the U.S. military declined comment.

i24NEWSThe Straits TimesSaudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters

Saudi foreign ministry said Riyadh seeks de-escalation, self-restraint and reduced tensions for regional stability. Iraqi foreign ministry declared that Arab-state security is part of Iraq’s national security and rejected attacks on Gulf states. Kuwaiti defense ministry reported two border sites hit by drones from Iraq. The U.S. military declined comment.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: ReutersThe Straits Timesi24NEWS

Kuwait summoned Iraq’s representative three times to protest cross-border attacks and the storming of its consulate in Basra on 7 April. Saudi Arabia summoned the Iraqi ambassador on 12 April after protests over militia attacks. Iraqi officials warned that militia activity persists despite diplomatic pressure.

The Straits TimesSaudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters

Sources could not confirm whether rockets from Kuwait were launched by Kuwaiti forces or by the U.S. military. Casualty figures for the Saudi strikes remain unverified, and Kataib Hezbollah’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

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• “They are gathering information on what has been damaged, what is still working. They are preparing for the next strike,” — Informed security source

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• “reduction of tensions in pursuit of the stability, security and prosperity of the region,” — Saudi foreign ministry official

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• “The Saudi strikes were carried out by its Air Force fighter jets against pro-Iran Iraqi militia targets near the kingdom’s northern border with Iraq, a Western official said, adding that the operations likely took place around April 7, during the period of US-Iran ceasefire talks.” — Western official

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters

• “In late April, Kuwait's defense ministry announced that two Kuwaiti border sites were attacked by two drones originating from Iraq.” — Kuwaiti defense ministry statement

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters

• “In late March, Iraq’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its rejection of any attacks targeting Gulf states and Jordan, stressing that the security of Arab countries is part of Iraq’s national security.” — Iraqi foreign ministry spokesperson

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait bombed pro-Iran groups in Iraq: Reuters