Iraqi PM Dismisses Commander after Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia

September 12, 2026 at 10:28 PM
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BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has ordered the formation of an investigative committee into the Maysan governorate operations command, following confirmed findings that attacks targeting Saudi Arabia originated from within the governorate.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Iraqi Government confirmed that Al-Zaidi dismissed the Maysan operations commander and the Maysan police chief, ordered the transfer of the governorate’s security agency heads to headquarters command, and referred them for formal investigation over recent security breaches that allowed the attacks to occur, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Iraqi Government strongly condemned the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, reiterating its categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the Kingdom’s security, stability, or bilateral relations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances of the strikes and identify the perpetrators.

In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency, Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Sabah Al-Numan emphasised that Baghdad will take strict legal action against anyone implicated in the assault, stressing that the state will not tolerate activities that jeopardise Iraq’s national security or its ties with brotherly nations.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Condemns Drone Attack On East-West Pipeline Launched From Iraq

Al-Numan voiced appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s measured response and constructive engagement with Baghdad’s efforts to de-escalate tensions, noting that this stance underscores Riyadh’s commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation.

He reaffirmed that Iraq’s territory and airspace will not serve as a launchpad for hostile actions against any state. He reiterated Baghdad’s dedication to upholding state sovereignty, good neighbourliness, and regional diplomacy, ensuring relations with neighbouring nations foster mutual stability rather than conflict.

Saudi Arabia condemned the drone attack on the East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, saying the strikes caused injuries and damage while authorities moved to secure the strategic energy facility.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said several drones launched from Iraq targeted the strategic pipeline, one of the Kingdom’s key energy facilities. Saudi authorities said they were responding to the incident while assessing the damage and ensuring the security of the infrastructure.

In a statement, the ministry said Saudi Arabia had decided not to take immediate action following a request from the Iraqi prime minister to allow the Iraqi government to take necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from its territory against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.

“The Kingdom clarifies that, following a request from the prime minister of Iraq to give the brotherly Iraqi government the opportunity to take the necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, the Kingdom has opted not to respond at this stage and to support the efforts of the Iraqi government.”

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