Iraq condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia launched from its territory

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government on Tuesday condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reiterated its firm opposition to the use of Iraqi territory, airspace or waters to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

Government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi said Iraq reaffirms “its commitment to the security of Arab states and the importance of supporting stability,” and condemned “the recent drone attacks that targeted the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” He said Iraqi military authorities had “neither detected nor recorded any information related to Iraqi airspace concerning this matter,” but said institutions were prepared to cooperate in verifying information related to the attack.

“There will be no tolerance for any attempt to violate Iraqi sovereignty or undermine relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighboring and brotherly countries,” the statement said.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense said Sunday it had intercepted and destroyed three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, and reserved the right to respond “at the appropriate time and place.” Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said Monday it had launched an investigation and called on Riyadh to share information to help clarify the incident.

The incident follows a pattern of drone attacks on Gulf states attributed to Iran-aligned Iraqi armed factions since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran in late February. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE have all summoned Iraqi diplomatic representatives in recent months to protest strikes launched from Iraqi territory.