Saudi Arabia has reiterated its commitment to its brotherly and friendly relations with Iraq and clarified that the aim of the recent air operations was not to target the Iraqi state or people but only to limit the military capabilities of armed militia groups that the kingdom considers a threat to its national security.
According to Arab media, a Saudi government official said that the operations were carried out within a very limited scope and only targeted places where the military centres, weapons depots and other military installations of the relevant militia groups were located. According to him, these actions were not intended to harm the Iraqi people or state institutions in any way.
The statement said that the aforementioned groups have in the past posed a threat to Saudi Arabia’s important civilian and economic facilities, especially petroleum infrastructure. According to Saudi officials, the aim of the recent measures was to reduce the risks of possible future attacks and ensure the protection of national security.
The Saudi official said that the kingdom had preferred restraint and diplomatic means for several months, but due to persistent security concerns and increasing tensions in the region, limited defensive action was deemed necessary. According to him, the activities of some armed groups are affecting not only Iraq but also the peace and stability of the entire region.
The statement added that some militia groups have been using Iraqi territory and resources against neighbouring countries, which has created new challenges for regional security. Saudi Arabia believes that preventing such actions is necessary to maintain stability in the region.
Saudi officials stressed that the kingdom attaches importance to Iraq’s sovereignty, political stability and positive relations with its people. According to the statement, Saudi Arabia will continue to support diplomacy, mutual cooperation, and peaceful solutions in the future to promote peace, stability, and shared development in the Middle East.