RIYADH: Saudi Arabia remains committed to its relationship with Iraq and its people, and the recent strikes against Iran-backed group targets were not directed at the Iraqi government or the population, a senior Saudi official told Al Arabiya. What the operation targeted, according to the senior official, was the capabilities of the militia that threatened the Kingdom’s national security, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital energy facilities the unnamed official was cited as saying.

Riyadh says its targeted attacks were done in coordination with the US military.

Saudi Arabia said it carried out coordinated strikes with US Central Command against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq after drone attacks targeted the Kingdom's oil facilities.