Saudi-Iraq Tensions Escalate Over Drone Attacks

Saudi Arabia and Iraq are at odds over drone attacks on the kingdom. Saudi officials claim that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, while Baghdad denies any involvement.

The tension comes just before Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit to Riyadh. The two countries had previously discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations during a meeting in July, but it seems those efforts have not borne fruit.

Saudi Arabia has been frustrated with Iraq over the issue of drone attacks for months. In May, Saudi officials intercepted three drones approaching from Iraqi airspace and targeting oil facilities. Baghdad denied any knowledge of the incident at the time, saying its air defense radar had detected no launches from within Iraqi territory.