Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Jul 28: Qatar on Monday strongly condemned the drone attacks targeting oil facilities in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province and Riyadh regions, describing them as a violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty and a threat to regional security.

In a statement posted on X, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks, reportedly launched from Iraqi territory, constituted a blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the principles of good neighbourliness.

The ministry reaffirmed Qatar's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Malki alleged that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory by Iranian-backed militias. He said Saudi Arabia reserved the right to respond and would continue to defend its territory and critical infrastructure.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack. No group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Following earlier drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates allegedly originating from Iraq, the Iraqi government had constituted a special committee on May 20 to coordinate with both countries.

Iraqi government spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security, which directed authorities to take all necessary measures against those responsible if investigations confirm that Iraqi territory was used to launch the attacks.