Saudi Arabia intercepts Iran-backed drones launched from Iraq

Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that its forces intercepted multiple drones launched by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. The Ministry of Defense stated that these drones were aimed at sensitive petroleum facilities in the country's eastern region, as well as the capital city, Riyadh.

This latest incident occurs amid a period of relative calm in the wider West Asian conflict, following 13 days of retaliatory strikes between the United States and Iran. However, the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region.

In response to the attempted attacks, Saudi Arabia issued a statement demanding that Iraq take all necessary measures to ensure its territory is not utilized as a launchpad for hostile actions. So far, pro-Iranian armed groups based in Iraq have not claimed responsibility for the drone sorties.

The events follow a resurgence in hostilities between the US and Iran earlier this month, after a fragile ceasefire reached in April failed to hold. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have previously accused Iran-aligned militias in Iraq of orchestrating earlier waves of attacks targeting their territories during the initial phases of the conflict.

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The attempted attacks were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-supported militias.