Iraq vows action over attacks on UAE and Saudi Arabia

Baghdad’s Ministerial Council for National Security formed a joint committee with both countries and pledged to prosecute anyone using Iraqi soil to launch strikes on neighbours.

Staff Writer
A man in uniform attending a judicial panel meeting indoors.
Image credit: Pexels

Article summary

AI Generated

Iraq's Ministerial Council for National Security has condemned drone attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, pledging firm action against anyone found to have used Iraqi soil as a launch point. A joint investigative committee has been formed with both countries following a strike on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Key points

  • Iraq vows action if its territory confirmed as drone launch point
  • Joint committee formed with UAE and Saudi Arabia for investigations
  • UAE condemned Barakah plant strike as a breach of international law

Iraq has formally condemned recent drone attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, pledging decisive action against any individuals or groups found to have used its territory as a launch point.

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security on May 20, where officials reviewed the country’s security situation. The council reaffirmed Iraq’s rejection of the use of its territory or airspace for aggression against what it described as “brotherly Arab states and friendly regional countries,” and said the government would respond to any confirmed violations.

A special committee was formed to coordinate with relevant authorities in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing investigations. Al Zaidi directed security agencies to take all necessary measures against those responsible should Iraqi territory be confirmed as a launch point for the attacks.

The council also reiterated Baghdad’s broader security priorities: strengthening coordination among state agencies, confining weapons possession to the state, protecting diplomatic missions and foreign companies operating in Iraq, and deepening ties with regional and international partners.

The statement came after the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned a drone attack launched from Iraqi territory that struck an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The ministry called the attack a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a breach of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. It urged Baghdad to prevent hostile acts from its territory and address such threats in line with its international obligations, while also stressing the importance of a stable and sovereign Iraq as a responsible regional partner.