Iraq has dismissed the commander of Maysan Operations Command after an investigation found that recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia were launched from a site inside the southern Iraqi province.
BAGHDAD: Iraq has removed the commander of its Maysan Operations Command after an investigation found that recent drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia were launched from a location inside the southern Iraqi province, escalating pressure on Baghdad to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against neighboring countries.
Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi ordered the commander’s removal and directed the formation of an investigative council to examine the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the performance of the Maysan Operations Command, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s office.
The move came after Saudi Arabia said several drones launched from Iraq had targeted its strategic East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. The attacks, carried out on Thursday, caused injuries and damage, prompting Saudi authorities to suspend the pipeline temporarily as a precaution.
Iraq has strongly condemned the attacks and rejected any action that threatens Saudi Arabia’s security or damages relations between the two countries. Iraqi officials have also stressed that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launch point for attacks against neighboring states.
The decision to remove the Maysan commander was announced after authorities confirmed that the latest attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had originated from a site within the province. Iraqi military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan said the prime minister had ordered an investigative council into the Maysan Operations Command alongside the commander’s dismissal.
Saudi Arabia chooses restraint
Saudi Arabia has so far refrained from retaliatory action after Baghdad requested an opportunity to take measures against attacks launched from Iraqi territory.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Riyadh had chosen not to respond at this stage in order to support the Iraqi government’s efforts to prevent further attacks. However, Saudi Arabia also emphasized that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, citizens and residents.
The diplomatic channel between Baghdad and Riyadh also remained active. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, with both sides emphasizing continued communication and coordination to support regional security and stability.
East-West Pipeline attack raises regional concerns
The East-West Pipeline is a strategically important Saudi oil route connecting the kingdom’s eastern oil-producing areas with the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Its importance has increased amid disruptions affecting regional energy routes.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said the pipeline came under multiple attacks on Sept. 10, resulting in injuries. Emergency and technical teams were deployed to secure the facility and assess its condition.
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