Pakistan Backs Saudi Right to Self-Defense Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia by 'non-state actors', stating that Islamabad backed the Kingdom's right to defend itself under the United Nations (UN) charter. The statement came after Saudi Arabia's defense ministry announced strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

The strikes were carried out jointly with the US after drones launched from Iraq attempted to target oil facilities in the Kingdom's Eastern Province and Riyadh. Major General Turki Al-Malki, the Saudi defense ministry's spokesperson, said the 'terrorist' attacks originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Iran-backed militias.

Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi cited the Saudi defense ministry's statement that Riyadh had intercepted and destroyed drones attempting to target its oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. He stated that these attacks originated from Iraq, adding 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.'