Saudi Arabia shoots down drones aimed at oil sites and Riyadh
Why it matters: The attack raises pressure on Baghdad after Riyadh said Iraq-based Iran-backed groups launched the drones.
Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraq before they could hit oil facilities in the kingdom’s Eastern Province and the Riyadh area. The Saudi Defense Ministry blamed Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq for the attempted strike, which it said unfolded over the past several hours. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and said the kingdom reserved the right to respond against those responsible. It also urged the Iraqi government to take all necessary steps to ensure its territory is not used as a launch point for attacks on Saudi Arabia.