Seven Arab states back Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed drone attacks from Iraq
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Seven Arab states declare support for Saudi Arabia after drone attacks launched from Iraq targeted its oil facilities. The US and Saudi Arabia conduct joint airstrikes on Iran-backed militia targets in eastern Iraq. The strikes come even as Riyadh says its air defenses intercepted multiple drones over the eastern province and the capital.
The Drone Assault
Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said its air defenses intercepted multiple drones targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. The ministry stated the attacks were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias. Explosions were later reported in Iraq's Basra and Wasit provinces following retaliatory strikes.
Arab States' Response
Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania issued statements condemning the attacks as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and regional security. They expressed full support for Riyadh's right to self-defense and protection of its citizens and infrastructure. Bahrain and Yemen specifically called on Iraq to prevent armed groups from using its territory to launch attacks on neighboring countries.
Retaliatory Strikes
US CENTCOM announced that American and Saudi forces conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed militia targets in eastern Iraq. The strikes followed the drone attacks and Saudi Arabia's identification of the militias as responsible. Iraq has not yet officially commented on the airstrikes on its soil.
What's Next
The Iraqi government is expected to issue a formal response to the cross-border raids in the coming days. It remains unclear whether the strikes will escalate into a broader conflict between Iran-backed groups and the Saudi-led coalition.
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Seven Arab states back Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed drone attacks from Iraq
