Saudi source affirms commitment to Iraq ties, clarifies airstrike motives

A Saudi official has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to its relationship with Iraq, both at the government and popular levels, stressing that the recent airstrike carried out by Saudi Arabia was not directed at the Iraqi people or government.

The official explained that the airstrike targeted the capabilities of a militia that had threatened the Kingdom’s security and attacked its vital civil and economic facilities, noting that the operation was a precise and limited response confined to militia military warehouses.

The official added that the strike was linked to attacks targeting Saudi territory and its vital and oil facilities, emphasizing that the Saudi response came only after all diplomatic and political measures had been exhausted and after months of maximum restraint.

The official also stated that the terrorist militia harms Iraq’s interests and its relations with Arab and Islamic countries, turning Iraqi territory and resources into tools for aggression against Iraq’s neighbors.

The official pointed out that attempts by some parties inside and outside Iraq to stoke sectarian tensions will not deceive the Iraqi people or its wise leaders, adding that these groups do not want Iraq to pursue rapprochement that would enhance its security and stability.