Al-Zaydi Orders Investigation into Targeting Saudi Arabia by Drones Launched from Iraq

SadaNews - The Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi directed, on Monday, an investigation into the targeting of Saudi Arabia by drones launched from Iraqi territory, according to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Nu'man, stated in a statement that the Iraqi government reaffirms its constitutional and steadfast commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, and will not allow the use of Iraqi territory as a transit point or launch pad for any aggression targeting brotherly or friendly countries. It is investigating the evidence and information, and will take legal action against anyone proven to be involved in such acts, depending on the findings of the investigations. The government also confirms that relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are strong and deep fraternal ties based on mutual respect, common interests, and the principles of good neighborliness, and it will not permit any attempt to harm or undermine this relationship. It will continue to work vigorously to protect Iraq's security and to enhance its sovereignty, while maintaining the security and stability of its Arab and regional surroundings. This comes after the Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that it intercepted drones launched by Iran-backed militias from Iraq, which targeted oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. For its part, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the Iraqi government prevent the use of its territory to launch any attacks against the Kingdom. It expressed "Saudi Arabia's strongest condemnation of the reprehensible attacks it faced from drones launched by Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq". It affirmed "its right to respond to the sources of aggression, stressing the need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure that its territory is not used as a launch pad for aggression". Previously, Riyadh had announced following the outbreak of war in the Middle East due to the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, that it intercepted drones coming from Iraqi airspace towards its territory.