Saudi Arabia has conducted military strikes in Iraq in coordination with US Central Command, citing defensive measures against drone attacks targeting its petroleum infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday that it had executed targeted strikes against Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraqi territory. According to the Saudi statement, the operation was coordinated with US Central Command and responded to recent unmanned drone attacks directed at Saudi facilities.
The Saudi defence ministry said its air defence systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple drones launched from Iraqi soil that were aimed at petroleum installations in the Eastern Province and the capital Riyadh. The ministry attributed the attacks to what it described as "Iran-aligned terrorist militias." Despite the military action, Saudi officials stated that the kingdom does not seek escalation but reserves the right to respond to any future aggression.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed armed factions, rejected Saudi accusations, characterizing them as "fabrications" and warning of retaliation against any further Saudi military operations. Meanwhile, Iraq's government has moved to address regional tensions. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered Iraqi security agencies to investigate the drone incidents and is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The Iraqi military separately issued a statement affirming its commitment to preventing its territory from serving as a base for attacks on neighbouring or friendly nations.
The incidents underscore ongoing tensions in the region involving Iranian-aligned militia groups, Saudi Arabia, and US interests in the area.
