- Condemnation of the aggressive approach of pro-Iranian terrorist militias
- Further to previous statements and the Kingdom’s determination to deter aggressors
- Joint Saudi-American military strikes against targets in Iraq
- Details of the statements made by the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense
- Legal basis and a firm message of zero tolerance for aggression
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that the strikes launched by the Saudi armed forces in coordination with the US Central Command, in response to specific targets in the territory of the Republic of Iraq linked to the attacks on the Kingdom’s oil facilities, came in accordance with the right of self-defense guaranteed by international law under Article (51) of the Charter of the United Nations.
Condemnation of the aggressive approach of pro-Iranian terrorist militias
The ministry explained in an official statement that “the aggressive approach adopted by the Iranian-backed terrorist militias in Iraq came at a time when the Kingdom was making efforts to contribute to ending the escalation in the region, in a way that preserves its security and stability.” It added, “However, these Iranian-backed terrorist militias chose an irresponsible escalatory approach, violating international law and disregarding the requirements of Islamic brotherhood, which necessitate adherence to the principles of good neighborliness and regional understanding.”
Further to previous statements and the Kingdom’s determination to deter aggressors
The statement indicated that this comes “in addition to the two statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and Tuesday regarding the reprehensible attacks on the Kingdom by drones launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, and the Kingdom’s determination to deter the aggressors and its full right to respond.” The statement added that the Kingdom affirms that it “does not seek escalation, but in the event of any attacks, it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to preserve the Kingdom’s sovereignty and protect its citizens and vital assets.”
Joint Saudi-American military strikes against targets in Iraq
On the other hand, the Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that, in full coordination with the US Central Command, on Wednesday it launched specific and precise strikes against targets belonging to pro-Iranian militias located on Iraqi territory, linked to previous attacks on vital oil facilities in the Kingdom.
Details of the statements made by the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense
In an official statement, Major General Turki al-Maliki, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, stated, “Further to the statements issued by the Ministry of Defense on Monday and Tuesday, regarding the interception and destruction of several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, these terrorist attacks originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Iranian-backed terrorist militias. The Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself and its assets, and its right to respond at the appropriate time and place, has been reaffirmed.”
Legal basis and a firm message of zero tolerance for aggression
Al-Maliki continued his statement, saying: “In accordance with the Almighty’s words: ‘So whoever transgresses against you, then transgress against him in the same way that he transgressed against you,’ and based on the right of self-defense guaranteed by international law according to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, the Saudi Armed Forces, in coordination with the US Central Command, launched precise strikes on Wednesday against targets belonging to those militias present on the territory of the Republic of Iraq and linked to the attacks on oil facilities in the Kingdom.” The Kingdom concluded its official statements by affirming that it “does not seek escalation, but it will respond with all firmness and force to any aggression it faces.”
