Saudi Arabia blames Iran-backed militias in Iraq for drone attack

The Ras Tanura oil production plant is near Dammam in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Saudi Arabia claimed on Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed multiple drones targeting oil installations in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, accusing Iran-backed militants operating from Iraq of carrying out the assault. Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi Defense Ministry, claimed the drones were intercepted many hours before reaching their objectives. He said that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Al-Maliki said that the drones were fired from Iraqi land by Iran-backed militias and that the strike was a terrorist act, adding that Saudi Arabia has the right to reply “at the appropriate time and place.” There was no immediate claim of responsibility, and Iraqi officials had not independently verified Saudi Arabia’s claims. The incident is the second occasion in recent days that Saudi Arabia has accused armed groups operating in Iraq of firing drones against the country. Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed security agencies to investigate Saudi allegations that drones targeting the kingdom were launched from Iraqi territory, stating that Baghdad would prosecute anyone found responsible and emphasizing that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to attack neighboring countries. The latest accusation comes just days before Al-Zaidi is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the two sides are expected to discuss expanding investment, trade, and regional cooperation following the prime minister’s recent trips to Washington, Tehran, and Ankara. The recurring instances highlight one of the most difficult difficulties for Al-Zaidi’s administration as it strives to develop relations with Gulf Arab governments while exerting state control over Iran-aligned armed organizations that have carried out assaults independent of the Iraqi government.