Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi speaking ahead of presenting his government to the parliament in Baghdad
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi fired the military commander in charge of Maysan province after an inquiry revealed that drones targeting Saudi Arabia were launched from the southern Iraqi region.
The discovery puts more pressure on Baghdad to identify the armed organization involved and shut down networks used by Iran-aligned militias to operate beyond governmental supervision.
Maysan has a lengthy border with Iran, including the Al-Sheeb crossing, which has previously been highlighted in security reports as a route used to bring Iranian drones and other weapons into Iraq for Tehran-backed armed groups.
Baghdad has not confirmed that the weaponry used in the recent Saudi strikes originated from Iran.
Al-Zaidi ordered more investigations and security operations to track down individuals responsible, as his administration works to prevent Iraqi land from being used to attack neighboring nations.
The drones targeted Saudi Arabia’s critical East-West oil pipeline, causing a brief closure.
Following Al-Zaidi’s plea, Riyadh delayed quick retribution, allowing Baghdad time to respond.
The event has heightened concerns about Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, whose operations risk pulling Baghdad into regional wars and jeopardizing its developing political and economic connections with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.