Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry stated that the strike was a response to earlier drone attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities. The ministry said it does not seek escalation but will respond to any 'aggression,' according to a report by Israel's Channel 12.
The Saudi Defense Ministry issued a statement at 03:42 Jerusalem time, framing the latest strike as a direct response to drone attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities. The ministry denied seeking escalation but warned it would respond to any further 'aggression.' The statement was reported by Israel's Channel 12.
The new development follows a series of drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure reported over the past two days. On Tuesday at 11:00 Jerusalem, the desk reported that Saudi Arabia confirmed its air defenses intercepted drones launched from Iraq targeting oil facilities, with the Houthi rebels also claiming responsibility. The Saudi Defense Ministry later stated that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory by pro-Iranian militias, as The Zioneer reported at 11:00 Jerusalem that same day.
The statement appears to be the first official Saudi acknowledgment connecting the current strike to those earlier drone attacks. As The Zioneer reported on Monday, the Houthi military spokesman claimed the group's drones struck multiple oil targets across Saudi Arabia, while Iraqi Shia militias also joined the strikes. Pakistan condemned the drone attacks, stating it would not allow its territory to be used for such attacks. The broader context includes heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states, with Bahrain and Qatar also reporting Iranian drone and missile attacks in recent weeks.
The specific target and timing of the retaliatory strike remain unclear, and no further details have been provided by Saudi officials.
4 developments
- StrongHouthi spokesman: Drone strike targeted Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu
- DevelopingPakistan condemns drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, won't allow its territory to be used for attacks
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia warns Houthis: 'We will respond forcefully to any attempt to harm the kingdom'
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia condemns renewed Iranian strikes on Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait
Source and signal
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