Saudi Arabia says It seeks strong ties with Iraq

Riyadh:A senior Saudi government official has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining strong and friendly relations with Iraq, stressing that recent airstrikes carried out in Iraqi territory 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 remains committed to strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries. He emphasized that the military operation was not intended to undermine Iraq’s sovereignty or harm its citizens, but was instead a response to growing security threats posed by armed militias operating inside the country.

The Saudi official stated that the airstrikes specifically targeted the military capabilities of armed militia groups that the Kingdom believes have threatened Saudi national security. He alleged that these militias had launched attacks against key Saudi civilian infrastructure and important economic facilities, including petroleum installations that are vital to the country’s economy.

According to the statement, the military operation was carefully planned and limited to militia weapons depots and military storage facilities. Saudi Arabia maintained that these locations were being used to store weapons and launch attacks against strategic sites inside the Kingdom. The official added that the response came only after several months of restraint and patience, during which Saudi authorities had sought to avoid military escalation.

The official further accused the militia groups of harming not only Saudi Arabia’s security but also Iraq’s own national interests. He argued that these organizations have damaged Iraq’s relationships with neighboring Arab and Islamic countries by using Iraqi territory and resources as a base for hostile activities against other states.

He also claimed that the militias have attempted to weaken Iraq’s diplomatic standing by drawing the country into regional conflicts. According to the Saudi government, the actions of these armed groups threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to promote peace, security, and economic cooperation across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia reiterated that its objective is to protect its national security while preserving positive relations with the Iraqi government. The official emphasized that Riyadh supports Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, and development, and hopes to continue working with Baghdad to address common security challenges through cooperation and dialogue.

The statement comes after military strikes carried out on July 29, when United States and Saudi forces reportedly targeted sites linked to alleged Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. According to available reports, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 20 people and left 32 others injured. The strikes have intensified regional tensions and drawn widespread international attention, with concerns growing over the possibility of further escalation in the region.

The incident has once again highlighted the complex security situation in Iraq, where various armed groups continue to operate alongside government forces. Regional analysts warn that continued military confrontations could further destabilize the country and increase tensions between regional powers.

While Saudi Arabia insists that the operation was a defensive measure aimed solely at preventing future attacks, the developments underscore the fragile security environment in the Middle East. The Kingdom has expressed hope that cooperation with Iraq and other regional partners will help address shared security concerns while preventing further violence and preserving stability throughout the region.