Saudi Arabia intercepts drones targeting oil facilities, blames Iran-backed militias in Iraq

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq for the attacks.

Ministry of Defense spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said on Monday the attempted attacks took place over the past several hours and described them as terrorist acts launched from Iraqi territory.

Al-Maliki said the Kingdom has the legitimate right to defend its security, people and vital infrastructure, stressing that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attacks carried out by Iran-backed militias in Iraq using drones.

The ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty, deter aggression and respond to the sources of the attacks.

It also called on the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure that Iraqi territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks against the Kingdom.