The Saudi Ministry of Defence intercepted three drones that breached the kingdom’s airspace from Iraq. Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated on social media that they reserve the right to respond at the appropriate time and place. The ministry is prepared to take all necessary operational measures to counter any attacks on the kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and the well-being of its people.
The region has seen heightened tensions due to conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Recent months have witnessed the Saudi ministry intercepting and destroying several drones that intruded into the kingdom’s airspace. Following strikes by the US and Israel on Iran in February, Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, leading to increased instability.
In April, a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan came into effect, but discussions in Islamabad failed to establish a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump subsequently extended the truce indefinitely. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry summoned Iraq’s ambassador to Riyadh last month over ongoing attacks and threats originating from drones launched from Iraqi territory, affecting the Kingdom and other Gulf nations.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned a recent drone attack on the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant. The UAE’s defence ministry reported successfully intercepting two drones, while a third struck an electrical generator close to the nuclear facility in Abu Dhabi’s al-Dhafra Region. The drones entered from the western border, according to the ministry, without providing further specifics.
