Accusations, Denials, and Investigation: Tensions Between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
After Riyadh claimed to have thwarted drones launched from Iraq, Baghdad opened an official investigation and requested information from the Saudis. Pro-Iranian militias have denied the allegations.
A senior Iraqi official told the Qatari newspaper 'Al-Araby Al-Jadeed' on Wednesday that an investigative committee comprising the ministries of defense and interior, as well as intelligence agencies, has begun probing Saudi Arabia's claims regarding drones that attacked its territory and were allegedly launched from Iraq. The official stated that the committee immediately contacted the Saudi side to request additional information and invited them to participate in the investigation.
Yesterday, the Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that it had thwarted drone attacks targeting oil facilities in two areas in the east of the kingdom and in Riyadh. The statement noted that air defense systems intercepted drones launched from Iraqi territory by terrorist organizations affiliated with Iran, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to respond in self-defense.
Following the announcement, the Iraqi government established an investigative committee. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered legal action against any parties proven to be involved in the terrorist acts. The Iraqi official revealed that senior Iraqi and Saudi officials held phone calls over the last 24 hours. During these conversations, the Iraqi side requested assistance from Riyadh in the form of evidence, including photographs, coordinates, or remains of the downed drones.
Against this backdrop, an umbrella organization representing seven pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, including Kata'ib Hezbollah and Al-Nujaba, denied the accusations. The Shiite militias characterized the claims as 'Saudi speculation' and an attempt to justify an inability to respond to attacks by the Houthis.
