Saudi Arabia Launches Limited Military Operation in Iraq After Attacks on Oil Facilities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced a limited military operation against Iran-linked militia positions in Iraq following drone attacks on its oil facilities. According to Arab media reports, the operation was carried out in close coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the airstrikes targeted elements believed to be responsible for the recent drone attacks. He stated that Saudi forces struck only specific military targets to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Arab media reported that the Royal Saudi Air Force conducted operations in Iraq’s Basra, Wasit, Karbala, and Nineveh provinces. Saudi officials said that Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq had posed a continuous threat to the Kingdom’s security, making a response unavoidable.

According to the spokesperson, the objective of the operation was to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, national security, and economic interests. He emphasized that the Kingdom reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, citizens, and vital installations and would respond decisively to any future threats.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the military action, stating that it was carried out in accordance with the right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The ministry alleged that Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq had targeted Saudi oil facilities in drone attacks, prompting the limited and targeted military response.

The Saudi government reiterated that it does not seek further escalation in the region. However, it stressed that any threat to the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, or national interests would be met with appropriate and effective measures to ensure their protection.