Saudi Arabia claims attack in Iraq as self-defence

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabia has stated that the overnight strikes against Iran-backed group targets in Iraq were carried out as an act of self-defence and warned it would take further military action if the groups attacked the kingdom again. In a statement on Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes, conducted by the Saudi Armed Forces together with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted specific locations in Iraq linked to attacks on the kingdom’s oil facilities. The ministry stated that the operation was carried out based on the right of self-defence guaranteed under international law in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations (UN) Charter. Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed groups in Iraq of adopting an ‘irresponsible and escalatory’ approach despite the kingdom’s efforts to help de-escalate tensions and maintain regional security and stability. According to the ministry, these groups have violated international law and disregarded the principles of good neighbourliness and brotherhood among Islamic nations. While asserting that it does not desire escalation, Saudi Arabia warned that if further attacks occur, the kingdom ‘will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens and assets.’ In a separate statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said the joint operation with the United States was launched in response to attacks from Iraqi territory that targeted Saudi oil facilities. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, the ministry stated that Saudi Arabia and the United States launched ‘precise and targeted strikes’ against locations in Iraq linked to the attacks on the kingdom’s energy infrastructure. ‘The kingdom affirms that it does not desire escalation, but will respond to any aggression it faces,’ the ministry’s statement read.