Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said on July 27 that it had conducted targeted airstrikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The attacks, carried out early that same day, were described as a response to recent drone strikes.
According to the statement, Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed multiple drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and the Riyadh region. The drones were reportedly launched from Iraqi territory and operated by what Riyadh termed "terrorist militia forces affiliated with Iran."
The Saudi Ministry of Defense stressed: "The Kingdom does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression."
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia on July 28, after ordering Iraqi security agencies to investigate the drone attacks on Saudi territory. In a statement on July 26, the Iraqi military affirmed: "Iraq is committed to preventing its territory from being used as a route or launchpad for any attack on brotherly or friendly countries."
Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for Iran-backed armed forces, denied any involvement in the attacks. The group called the Saudi accusations "fabrications" and warned: "Any foolish Saudi action will be met with a strong response."
