Riyadh, July 29 (QNA) - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed that strikes carried out by its armed forces against specific targets in Iraq on Wednesday, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), were conducted in exercise of its right to self-defense under international law, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation followed its statements issued on July 27 and 28 regarding the drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq against the Kingdom, in which it reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's determination to deter the perpetrators and its right to respond.
The ministry said this aggressive course pursued by the Iran-backed terrorist militias in Iraq came at a time when the Kingdom was exerting every effort to help de-escalate tensions in the region and preserve its security and stability. It added that the militias had instead chosen an irresponsible path of escalation, violating international law and disregarding the obligations of Islamic brotherhood, including adherence to the principles of good-neighborly relations.
The Kingdom further affirmed that the strikes carried out on Wednesday by the Saudi Armed Forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), against specific targets within the territory of the Republic of Iraq linked to the attacks on the Kingdom's oil facilities were conducted in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense under international law, pursuant to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The Kingdom also affirmed that it does not seek escalation. However, should it be subjected to any further attacks, it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens and national assets. (QNA)