Saudi Arabia and US forces strike Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq after drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, as Riyadh vows firm response without escalation, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry has confirmed that its armed forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command, carried out precision strikes against specific targets linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq following drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities.
The ministry said the operation was conducted in response to attacks that originated from Iraqi territory and targeted energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and Riyadh region.
Saudi officials said air defences intercepted and destroyed several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched towards petroleum facilities on Tuesday evening, describing the attacks as being carried out by Iran-backed terrorist militias.
Saudi Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki said the Kingdom had exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and reserved the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.
He stressed that Saudi Arabia was not seeking an escalation but would respond to any aggression targeting its territory and national assets.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates that it does not seek escalation but will respond decisively to any aggression directed against it,” the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also criticised what it described as an “aggressive approach” by Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq, saying the attacks came while Riyadh was working to support efforts to reduce regional tensions.
The ministry accused the groups of violating international law and undermining regional stability, adding that the attacks ignored principles of good neighbourly relations.
The strikes followed a series of attempted drone attacks against Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi authorities said drones launched from Iraqi territory had attempted to target facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh earlier this week.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashed Al-Shaabi, a coalition of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups in Iraq, said the US-Saudi strikes had resulted in casualties and damage to buildings.
“These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of a number of personnel and injuries to others, as well as material damage to several buildings and properties,” the group said in a statement.
The latest developments come amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran-backed groups and growing concerns over attacks on critical infrastructure and energy facilities in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia said its response was aimed at protecting its security and assets while avoiding further escalation in the region.
