A Saudi official says recent airstrikes were directed at armed militia capabilities and were not aimed at Iraq or its government.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — WEB DESK: A Saudi government official has said the Kingdom remains committed to maintaining strong relations with Iraq, stressing that recent airstrikes were directed solely at armed militia groups and not at the Iraqi government or its people.
According to Arab media reports, the official said Saudi Arabia values its relationship with Iraq and considers the neighbouring country an important regional partner.
Saudi Arabia defends military action
The official said the recent airstrikes were intended to degrade the operational capabilities of armed militias that Saudi Arabia says pose a threat to its national security.
According to the statement, the militia groups had allegedly targeted Saudi civilian infrastructure and key economic facilities, including petroleum installations.
The official added that the military operation was limited to militia weapons depots and military infrastructure.
“Response came after months of restraint”
The Saudi official said the Kingdom exercised restraint for several months before taking military action.
He alleged that the armed groups had used Iraqi territory and resources to launch attacks against neighbouring countries, undermining Iraq’s relations with Arab and Islamic states.
The statement further accused the militias of seeking to damage Iraq’s regional standing and stability.
Background
The remarks come after reported joint US-Saudi airstrikes on July 29 targeting locations described as bases of Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq.
According to earlier reports, 20 people were killed and 32 others injured in the strikes. Iraqi authorities and other parties have continued to assess the impact of the operations, while regional tensions remain elevated.
