Beirut: Saudi Arabia announced that its air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple drones targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province. The kingdom has accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of orchestrating the attacks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Defense Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki stated on a US social media platform, X, that the attacks occurred over the past several hours and were neutralized by Saudi air defenses. He identified the origin of the 'terrorist attempts' as Iraqi territory, executed by Iran-backed militias.

Al-Maliki emphasized Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself and its essential infrastructure, noting that the kingdom holds the right to retaliate 'at the appropriate time and place.' The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned the drone attacks, reiterating its commitment to protecting the nation's security and sovereignty. The ministry declared Saudi Arabia's right under international law to take necessary actions to respond to and deter such attacks.

Furthermore, the ministry called on the Iraqi government to implement measures preventing its territory from being used as a base for attacks against Saudi Arabia. As of now, there has been no response from Iraqi authorities regarding the Saudi allegations.