Saudi Arabia slams Iraq over drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Iraq following a new series of drone attacks targeting the Kingdom, which were reportedly launched by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its "strongest condemnation of the reprehensible drone attacks carried out by Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq."

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strongest condemnation of the reprehensible drone attacks carried out by Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq.

The Kingdom underscored its unwavering commitment to protecting its security and sovereignty. It asserted its right to respond to the sources of these attacks and stressed the necessity for the Iraqi government to take all measures to prevent its territory from being utilized as a base for launching acts of aggression. This statement indicates Saudi Arabia's readiness to retaliate against those responsible.

This development signals a potential multi-front conflict for Saudi Arabia, as Iran appears to be leveraging its allied militias in Iraq, in addition to the Houthis in Yemen, to exert pressure on the Kingdom. Iran-backed militias have been a persistent threat, employing a broader regional strategy that has included numerous missile and drone attacks from Yemen targeting Saudi airports, cities, and critical energy infrastructure since Saudi Arabia's intervention in Yemen in 2015.

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reaffirms its unwavering determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty, deter aggressors and exercise its right to respond to the sources of the attacks.

Furthermore, Iran-backed groups in Iraq have emerged as a growing concern. Tehran has supplied some Iraqi militias with advanced missile and drone technology, increasing their capacity to strike deep within Saudi Arabia. An apparent Iraqi militia drone attack targeted Riyadh in January 2021, underscoring the escalating threat from this front. The recent condemnation by Saudi Arabia highlights the increasing complexity of regional security dynamics.

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stresses the need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent its territories from being used as grounds from which acts of aggression are launched.