Saudi Arabia says Iran-backed militias launch drones from Iraq

King Abdullah Financial Centre in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry claimed on Saturday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed multiple drones fired from Iraqi territory, targeting sites in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province and the capital, Riyadh. Major General Turki al-Maliki, a spokeswoman for the Defense Ministry, claimed the drones were fired by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq and branded the strikes as “terrorist attempts.” He added that Saudi Arabia is entitled to reply “at the appropriate time and place.” There was no immediate response from the Iraqi government or any armed organization claiming credit for the strike. The event occurs as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi prepares to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming days for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two sides are set to discuss economic cooperation, investment, and regional security. Baghdad has pushed to boost ties with Riyadh recently as part of a larger campaign to improve relations with Gulf Arab governments, attract Saudi investment, and increase economic and energy cooperation. The alleged drone launches highlight the Iraqi government’s ongoing problem in exercising control over armed forces linked with Iran, whose activities have sometimes affected Baghdad’s foreign policy and relations with regional allies. Saudi Arabia has regularly accused Iran-backed organizations of carrying out cross-border assaults against the kingdom, while Iraq has committed to preventing its territory from being used to launch attacks on neighboring countries.