Iran-backed Iraqi militias' terrorism targets Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh reserves its inherent right to defend itself and its assets, and its right to respond at the time and place of its choosing.
- Gulf and Arab condemnations of the violation of Saudi sovereignty... and support for the measures it is taking.
- Faisal bin Farhan and Al Busaidi discussed developments and navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to its right to protect its security and sovereignty, and to respond to sources of aggression and deter aggressors, after its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraq that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh.
In a statement, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said that “these terrorist attempts originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by terrorist militias affiliated with Iran,” affirming “the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself and its assets, and its retention of the right to respond at the appropriate time and place.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation of the attacks by drones launched by Iranian-affiliated militias from within Iraqi territory.
The ministry stressed the necessity for the Iraqi government to take all measures necessary to prevent the use of its territory as a launching pad for any attacks targeting the Kingdom, in order to preserve regional security and prevent the recurrence of such attacks.
For his part, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Bouaidi expressed his “condemnation and rejection of the attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by drones launched by Iranian militias in Iraq,” affirming that “these attacks represent a serious escalation and a blatant violation of international law, and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.”
Al-Bouaidi stressed the “GCC’s full solidarity with the Kingdom, and its support for all measures it takes to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized “Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the sister kingdom, and its support for all lawful measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
The Foreign Ministry affirmed “Bahrain’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the sister kingdom, land of the Two Holy Mosques and the Qibla of Muslims, and its full support for all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability, and to defend its territory and vital civilian facilities, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, provisions of international law, and the GCC Joint Defense Agreement, and Bahrain’s standing by its side in any response it deems appropriate against the sources of this aggression, stemming from shared destiny and the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties that unite the two countries and peoples, and affirming that Saudi security and stability are an integral part of Bahrain’s national security, and that any infringement upon them does not target a specific state, but rather affects the security of the entire region and the interests of its peoples.”
The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Sultanate’s “condemnation and rejection of the attacks that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the sister kingdom, suffered by drones, affirming its solidarity with the Kingdom in the measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
It stressed in a statement “the necessity to halt these attacks and refrain from anything that could threaten the security and stability of the region.”
The Yemeni government affirmed that “these attacks reflect the disruptive behavior of the Iranian regime through its network of agents and armed militias, posing a direct threat to the regional security system, international navigation, and the stability of the global economy, in blatant defiance of international legitimacy resolutions and efforts to restore peace in the region.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its full solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for the measures being taken to safeguard its security and stability.
In a statement, it affirmed Jordan’s absolute solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its unwavering support in every step taken to protect its sovereignty, security, national assets, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
In a separate development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Omani counterpart, Badr Al Busaidi, during which they discussed bilateral relations, alongside developments in the regional situation and a number of issues of mutual concern.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination and consultation, and supporting joint diplomatic efforts to maintain security and stability in the region, as well as ensuring the safety and freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
