Saudi Arabia says its forces downed drones launched by Iran-backed Iraqi groups

Saudi Arabia said late Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and downed several drones launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias.

In a statement carried by the Ministry of Defense, Spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the drones had attempted to target oil facilities in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

Saudi Arabia reserves the legitimate right to defend itself and its national capabilities and retains the right to respond, “at the appropriate time and place,” al-Maliki said.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry released a statement, slamming the Iran-backed militias for their renewed attacks on energy targets in Saudi Arabia.

The attack comes ahead of the Iraqi prime minister’s reported visit to Saudi Arabia this week, and a day after similar drone strikes targeted the same area, prompting Riyadh to urge Baghdad to prevent Iraqi territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks.

PM Ali al-Zaidi on Monday ordered an investigation into the first drone attack, vowing legal action against anyone found responsible.

Al-Zaidi’s office said Iraq was examining the evidence and information provided by Saudi Arabia and would prosecute anyone proven to have been involved in the attacks in accordance with the findings of the investigation.