Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry announced that its air defences intercepted drones launched from Iraqi territory aimed at oil facilities in the kingdom. The ministry’s spokesman, Turki Al-Malki, stated on social media that several drones were destroyed as they tried to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. These drone attempts, allegedly by Iranian-backed militias from Iraq, were successfully thwarted by Saudi air defences.
The ministry emphasized Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself and its resources, asserting the kingdom’s prerogative to retaliate if necessary. The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned the drone attack, which has not been claimed by any group in Iraq. Previously, on May 17, the Saudi Ministry of Defence intercepted three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, prompting a warning of potential responses at the appropriate time and place.
In response to the drone attacks, a special committee was formed to collaborate with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Iraqi Ministerial Council for National Security, led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The council vowed to take all necessary measures against those responsible if Iraqi territory was indeed used as the launch site, reiterating Iraq’s rejection of its territory being used for attacks on friendly nations.
