Iraqi Prime Minister Orders Investigation into Saudi Targeting by Drones Launched from Iraq - Sarmad

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation on Monday into the targeting of Saudi Arabia by a drone launched from Iraqi territory.

Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu’man, said in a statement that “the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has directed the relevant security authorities to investigate the claims made in the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s statement regarding the Kingdom being targeted by drones launched from Iraqi territory, according to information provided by the Saudi side.” He added, “The Iraqi government reaffirms its constitutional and steadfast commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, and its refusal to allow Iraqi territory to be used as a transit route or launching pad for any attack targeting sisterly or friendly countries. It is gathering evidence and information and will take legal action against anyone proven to be involved in such acts, in accordance with the findings of the investigations.”

He further stated, “The government also affirms that relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are solid and deep-rooted fraternal ties, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the principles of good neighborliness. It will not permit any attempt to undermine or harm this relationship. It will continue to work resolutely to protect Iraq’s security, enhance its sovereignty, and preserve the security and stability of its Arab and regional neighborhood.”

Earlier on Monday, Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki announced that air defenses had intercepted and destroyed several drones over the past hours that had attempted to target petroleum facilities in the Eastern and Riyadh regions.

Brigadier General al-Maliki clarified that these terrorist attempts were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iranian-backed terrorist militias, affirming the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself and its assets, and its right to respond at the appropriate time and place.