Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), launched precision strikes on Wednesday against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq, the Saudi Defense Ministry announced. The operation was a response to attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh region on Monday and Tuesday, which Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed, according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki. He said those attacks originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Iran-backed terrorist militias, and the military operation targeted militia sites connected to the attacks on the Kingdom's energy infrastructure. The ministry stated the strikes were conducted under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defense, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's right to defend its people, national capabilities, and critical infrastructure. It emphasized that the Kingdom retains the right to respond to aggression at a time and place of its choosing but does not seek escalation, though it will respond to any attack against the Kingdom. The operation marks a significant military action by Saudi Arabia in coordination with the US against Iran-aligned forces in Iraq, amid heightened tensions over regional security.