Iraqi Factions Test Zaidi with Saudi Oil Facility Drone Attacks
The recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities by Iraqi factions have been described as 'deliberate and calculated' moves to test Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's resolve to push ahead with his disarmament efforts.
The attacks, which were carried out in coordination with US Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted seven Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters in several Iraqi provinces on Wednesday.
The Saudi-led airstrikes came just one day before a scheduled visit by the Iraqi prime minister to Riyadh to discuss issues of mutual concern. Zaidi postponed the visit without an official announcement, government sources said.
The attacks were intended to test whether Zaidi would still go to Saudi Arabia after what happened, and whether American support for him would hold.