Saudi Arabia Claims Attack in Iraq is a Form of Self-Defense

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)/DOK Mahmoud Hosseini via Wikimedia Commons/DOK Dlshad Anwar (VOA) via Wikimedia Commons

Saudi Arabia said that last night's attack on an Iranian-backed group target in Iraq was carried out as a form of self-defense and warned that it would take further military action if the group attacked the kingdom again.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 29, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the attacks carried out by the Saudi Armed Forces together with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) targeted specific locations in Iraq that were linked to attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities.

The ministry stated that the operation was carried out based on the right to self-defense guaranteed by international law in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter (UN).

Saudi Arabia has accused Iranian-backed groups in Iraq of adopting an "irresponsible and escalatory" approach despite the kingdom's efforts to help ease tensions and maintain regional security and stability.

According to the ministry, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, these groups have violated international law and ignored the principles of good neighborliness and brotherhood among Islamic countries.

While stressing that it does not want an escalation, Saudi Arabia warned that in the event of a further attack, the kingdom "will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens and assets."

In a separate statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said the joint operation with the United States was launched in response to attacks from Iraqi territory targeting Saudi oil facilities.

Referring to Article 51 of the UN Charter, the ministry said Saudi Arabia and the United States launched "precise and targeted attacks" on locations in Iraq linked to attacks on the kingdom's energy infrastructure.

"The kingdom affirms that it does not want escalation, but will respond to any aggression it faces," the ministry said.