Pakistan condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, backs kingdom's security

Pakistan on Monday condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, calling them a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The statement followed Saudi Arabia's announcement that it had intercepted drones aimed at petroleum facilities and the capital, Riyadh.

What did Pakistan's Foreign Office say about the drone attacks?

Pakistan's Foreign Office said the drone attacks were a "grave risk to peace and security" in the region. It reaffirmed Islamabad's "strong and unwavering support" for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity, and expressed solidarity with the "brotherly Kingdom."

The ministry said Pakistan would continue to take all possible steps to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the region. The statement came hours after Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry confirmed the interception.

What did Saudi Arabia say about the drone attacks?

Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said it intercepted several drones launched from Iraqi territory by Iranian-backed militias, targeting petroleum facilities in the country's east and in Riyadh. It described the attacks as "terrorist attempts" and called on Iraq to prevent its territory from being used as a launch point.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels separately claimed responsibility for drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure on Monday, saying they were carried out in response to Saudi drone incursions. Riyadh had not commented on the Houthi claims.

Why does the timing of the attacks matter?

The latest attacks came during a relative lull in fighting after 13 days of exchanges between the United States and Iran ended on Saturday. Saudi Arabia had been repeatedly targeted by Iran and its regional allies during that conflict.

Pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq have not claimed responsibility for any attacks since hostilities between Washington and Tehran resumed earlier this month, after an April ceasefire collapsed. The escalation also marks the first direct exchange of attacks in years between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, raising concerns over a 2022 truce that has largely held despite formally expiring.