Iraq Establishes Joint Investigation Committee Following Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and UAE

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has announced the creation of a high-level investigation committee to examine drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, characterizing the incidents as "criminal attacks."

The committee was established during the inaugural session of the Ministerial Council for National Security, with a mandate to examine all available evidence pertaining to the use of Iraqi land in the strikes and to implement appropriate security and legal actions against those responsible. Al-Zaidi stated on the social media platform X that the probe will be conducted jointly with authorities in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

The Iraqi leader reiterated his nation's strong condemnation of the attacks, emphasizing Baghdad's commitment to preventing the use of its territory or airspace as a launching point for assaults on neighboring states. He underscored Iraq's dedication to promoting stability throughout the region and safeguarding mutual interests.

The announcement follows Saudi Arabia's disclosure that it intercepted and destroyed three drones that penetrated its airspace on May 17, originating from Iraq. Saudi officials indicated that the kingdom retains the prerogative to respond "at the appropriate time and place."

The UAE similarly pressed the Iraqi government to "cease all hostile activities" emanating from its borders after drones targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, damaging an electrical generator situated outside the facility's inner perimeter in the Al Dhafra region.

Abu Dhabi has called for immediate action to address these threats. Other Gulf states have pursued diplomatic channels with Baghdad, including summoning Iraqi diplomatic representatives to lodge formal protests against the recurring attacks.

Iraq's government has maintained that it did not detect any drone launches from its airspace and continues its investigation in coordination with competent authorities. The incidents have intensified concerns about potential escalation of regional tensions amid the broader geopolitical volatility affecting the Gulf area.