- Saudi Arabia does not seek escalation tensions but affirms it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty — Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saudi Armed Forces in coordination with the U.S. Central Command carried out military strikes against targets in Iraq in accordance with the Kingdom’s right to self-defense under international law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the operation followed two earlier statements condemning drone attacks on Saudi Arabia that it attributed to pro-Iranian militias operating in Iraq.
It said the attacks targeted the Kingdom despite its efforts to help reduce regional tensions and promote stability.
The ministry described the drone attacks as an irresponsible escalation and accused the militias of violating international law and disregarding the principles of good neighborliness and Islamic brotherhood, according to news agencies.
It said the strikes targeted specific sites in Iraq linked to the recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities and were carried out under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defense.
The ministry stressed that Saudi Arabia does not seek escalation but affirmed that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its citizens, and defend its national assets against any future attacks.
