Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province on Tuesday, blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory for the attacks. Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki stated that the drones were launched from Iraq by Iran-backed terrorist militias. He reaffirmed the Kingdom's right to defend itself and its critical infrastructure, adding that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the continued drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq against oil facilities in the Eastern Province. The ministry said Saudi Arabia remains committed to safeguarding its security and sovereignty and retains its legitimate legal right to take all necessary measures to respond to the sources of aggression and deter future attacks. It also renewed its call for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent its territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks against the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, a military source denied accusations of Iran's involvement in the firing of projectiles from other countries at targets in Saudi Arabia, according to Tehran state media. The denial contradicts Saudi Arabia's assertion that Iran-backed groups were responsible for the drone attacks.