Riyadh: Saudi Arabia announced that its armed forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), carried out targeted strikes early Wednesday against Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq.According to the Kingdom, the targets were linked to attacks launched from Iraqi territory against petroleum facilities in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province as well as the capital, Riyadh.Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said the operation was conducted in response to attacks carried out by what he described as Iran-backed terrorist militias.He stated that the strikes were undertaken under Saudi Arabia's inherent right of self-defence, as recognised under international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.In remarks carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Malki said the Kingdom does not seek further escalation.However, he stressed that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, citizens and national assets if subjected to additional attacks.“Should it be subjected to any further attacks, it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens and national assets,” Al-Malki said.The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a series of attacks targeting energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the Middle East.
