Baghdad, July 27 (SANA)Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih al-Zaidi on Monday affirmed the Iraqi government’s firm commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and its refusal to allow Iraqi territory to be used as a corridor or launchpad for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly nations, the Prime Minister’s Media Office said.

Al-Zaidi stressed that legal measures will be taken against anyone proven to be involved in any acts affecting the security of neighboring countries, according to a statement on X.

Investigation ordered into drone attacks

Government Spokesman and Commander-in-Chief Spokesman Sabah al-Numan said in a statement on X that al-Zaidi has directed relevant security authorities to open an investigation into the statement issued bySaudi Arabia‘s Defense Ministry regarding the targeting of the kingdom bydroneslaunched from Iraqi territory, based on information provided by the Saudi side.

Al-Numan said the Iraqi government is working to verify evidence and information related to the incident, confirming that it will take necessary legal measures against any party proven to be involved, based on the findings of the investigation.

Iraq-Saudi relations, regional stability

Al-Numan renewed the affirmation that relations betweenIraqand Saudi Arabia are based on deep-rooted fraternal ties, mutual respect, shared interests and the principles of good neighborliness, stressing that the Iraqi government will not allow any attempt to harm or undermine these relations.

He confirmed that the government will continue to work firmly to protect Iraq’s security and strengthen its sovereignty, while contributing to maintaining the security and stability of its Arab and regional surroundings.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced earlier Monday that its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraqi territory that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and the Riyadh region, according to a ministry statement.

The Saudi ministry said the attempted attacks were carried out by “Iran-backed terrorist militias” and that the kingdom “reserves its legitimate right to defend itself” and “retains the right to respond at the appropriate time and place.” Saudi Arabia also called on the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent Iraqi territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks against the kingdom.

The attacks mark the latest in a series of drone strikes onGulf states, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations having previously accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of launching waves of attacks targeting their territory during the earlier phase of the conflict.