ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Monday directed relevant security agencies to investigate official Saudi statements claiming the kingdom was targeted in an attempted drone attack launched from Iraq. The remarks came shortly after Riyadh urged Baghdad to curb "aggression" carried out by Iran-backed "terrorist militias" from Iraqi territory.
Zaidi ordered "the relevant security agencies to investigate what was stated in the Saudi defense ministry's statement regarding the targeting of the kingdom by drones launched from Iraqi territory," said Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Iraqi prime minister.
"The Iraqi government affirms its constitutional and steadfast commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, and to not allowing Iraqi territory to be used as a corridor or launchpad for any aggression targeting brotherly or friendly nations," Numan said.
He added that the Baghdad government is investigating the incident cited by Riyadh and "will take legal action against anyone proven to be involved in such acts, in accordance with the findings of the investigations."
The statement came shortly after the Saudi defense ministry said Monday that "air defenses had intercepted and destroyed a number of drones over the past hours that had attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh," according to ministry spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki.
"These terrorist attempts were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by terrorist militias affiliated with Iran," Malki said, affirming the kingdom's "inherent right to defend itself and its resources" and its reservation of "the right to respond at the time and place of its choosing."
For its part, the Saudi foreign ministry expressed Riyadh's "condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the reprehensible attacks it was subjected to by drones launched by Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq."
It further affirmed Saudi Arabia's "determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty and deter the aggressors," while urging the Iraqi government to "take all measures required to ensure that its territory is not used as a launchpad for aggression."
In response, Baghdad said "its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are deep-rooted and brotherly, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the principles of good neighborliness," affirming that it "will not permit any attempt to undermine or harm this relationship."
Iraq will "continue to work firmly to protect its security, strengthen its sovereignty, and preserve the security and stability of its Arab and regional surroundings," Numan said.
RELATED: Riyadh demands Baghdad curb attacks by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq
Last updated at 9:10 pm
