Saudi Arabia launches strikes on Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's armed forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), carried out precision strikes on Wednesday against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq linked to recent drone attacks on the Kingdom's oil facilities, the Ministry of Defense announced.Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said the operation followed attempted drone attacks on oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh region on Monday and Tuesday, which Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed. He said those attacks originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Iran-backed terrorist militias.Al-Malki said the military operation was conducted in line with Saudi Arabia's inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and targeted militia sites connected to the attacks on the Kingdom's energy infrastructure.He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's right to defend its people, national capabilities and critical infrastructure, and said the Kingdom retains the right to respond to aggression at a time and place of its choosing.The ministry stressed that Saudi Arabia does not seek escalation but will respond to any attack against the Kingdom.In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes came after repeated drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and reiterated that the Kingdom had previously warned it would exercise its right to respond and deter further aggression.The ministry said the attacks occurred while Saudi Arabia was working with regional and international partners to help de-escalate tensions and preserve security and stability in the region. It accused the Iran-backed militias of choosing "an irresponsible path of escalation," violating international law and disregarding the principles of good-neighborly relations.The ministry said Wednesday's strikes against specific targets in Iraq linked to the attacks on Saudi oil facilities were carried out under Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense as recognized by Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.It stressed that the Kingdom does not seek escalation but will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens and national assets if subjected to further attacks.