Dubai, Cairo: The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq on Wednesday, marking an escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces said at least 20 members were killed and 32 wounded in the strikes targeting multiple bases. Washington and Riyadh said the action was in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory. The joint operation marks the first publicly acknowledged participation by Saudi Arabia in strikes alongside the US in the current phase of the conflict, raising concerns of a wider regional escalation involving Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Shia groups. The developments come amid heightened regional activity, including attacks on shipping routes and oil infrastructure, and increased movement of pilgrims between Iran and Iraq.