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  Riyadh:A senior Saudi government official has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining strong and friendly relations with Iraq, stressing that recent airstrikes carried out in Iraqi territory were directed solely at armed militia groups and not at the Iraqi government or its people. According to Arab media reports, the official said Saudi Arabia values its relationship with Iraq and remains committed to strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries. He emphasized that the military operation was not intended to undermine Iraq’s sovereignty or harm its citizens, but was instead a response to growing security threats posed by armed militias operating inside the country. The Saudi official stated that the airstrikes specifically targeted the military capabilities of armed militia groups that the Kingdom believes have threatened Saudi national security. He alleged that these militias had launched attacks against key Saudi civilian infrastructure and important economic facilities, including petroleum installations that are vital to the country’s economy. According to the statement, the military operation was carefully planned and limited to militia weapons depots and military storage facilities. Saudi Arabia maintained that these locations were being used to store weapons and launch attacks against strategic sites inside the Kingdom. The official added that the response came only after several months of restraint and patience, during which Saudi authorities had sought to avoid military escalation. The official further accused the militia groups of harming not only Saudi Arabia’s security but also Iraq’s own national interests. He argued that these organizations have damaged Iraq’s relationships with neighboring Arab and Islamic countries by using Iraqi territory and resources as a base for hostile activities against other states. He also claimed that the militias have attempted to weaken Iraq’s diplomatic standing by drawing the country into regional conflicts. According to the Saudi government, the actions of these armed groups threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to promote peace, security, and economic cooperation across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia reiterated that its objective is to protect its national security while preserving positive relations with the Iraqi government. The official emphasized that Riyadh supports Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, and development, and hopes to continue working with Baghdad to address common security challenges through cooperation and dialogue. The statement comes after military strikes carried out on July 29, when United States and Saudi forces reportedly targeted sites linked to alleged Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. According to available reports, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 20 people and left 32 others injured. The strikes have intensified regional tensions and drawn widespread international attention, with concerns growing over the possibility of further escalation in the region. The incident has once again highlighted the complex security situation in Iraq, where various armed groups continue to operate alongside government forces. Regional analysts warn that continued military confrontations could further destabilize the country and increase tensions between regional powers. While Saudi Arabia insists that the operation was a defensive measure aimed solely at preventing future attacks, the developments underscore the fragile security environment in the Middle East. The Kingdom has expressed hope that cooperation with Iraq and other regional partners will help address shared security concerns while preventing further violence and preserving stability throughout the region.

An oil tanker came under attack from an unidentified weapon off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred around 11 nautical miles northeast of Lima, UKMTO said. The attack damaged the vessel’s engine room, leaving the tanker unable to maintain control of its movement. Authorities have not yet identified the weapon used in the attack or determined who was responsible. No deaths or injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. Maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime security in the region, which is a key route for international oil and commercial shipping. Vessels operating in and around the Gulf of Oman have previously faced security threats, prompting increased vigilance among shipping companies and maritime authorities. The tanker’s crew is understood to be safe, while efforts are underway to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the vessel can resume its voyage. Further details about the tanker, including its flag and cargo, have not been disclosed. UKMTO and other maritime security agencies are continuing to gather information about the incident. Investigations are expected to focus on identifying the nature of the weapon used and establishing whether the attack was deliberate, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the latest maritime security incident.

At least nine people were killed and 23 others injured after Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Saturday morning, according to Ukrainian emergency authorities. The Ukrainian Emergency Service said the casualties included two young boys. Officials also reported that one of the injured victims remained in critical condition as rescue and emergency teams continued their operations across the affected areas. The missile strike caused extensive damage to several buildings and triggered fires at multiple locations in the capital. Emergency workers rushed to the scene to extinguish the fires, secure damaged structures and search through piles of debris for survivors. Rescue teams continued clearing the rubble in an effort to locate anyone who might still be trapped beneath collapsed sections of buildings. The attack added to growing concerns over the security situation in Kyiv, which has faced an increase in Russian missile and drone strikes in recent months. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned that Russian attacks continue to pose a serious threat to civilians as well as critical infrastructure. The latest assault also renewed Ukraine’s calls for stronger air defence capabilities. Kyiv has been pressing its Western allies to provide additional advanced defence systems and ammunition, arguing that stronger air protection remains essential to defending major cities and strategic facilities from Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine has particularly sought additional Patriot air defence systems, which can intercept certain types of high-speed missiles and provide protection against aerial threats. Ukrainian officials have consistently described air defence as one of their most urgent military requirements as the conflict continues. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said discussions are continuing over the possibility of providing Ukraine with technology linked to the production of Patriot missile systems. Trump indicated that talks remain ongoing but made clear that Washington has not yet reached a final decision on the matter. The issue is significant for Ukraine, which has sought to strengthen its ability to defend its territory while reducing its dependence on foreign supplies. Access to advanced air defence technology could potentially help Kyiv expand its defensive capabilities and respond more effectively to repeated missile attacks. The latest strike comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to put civilians and urban centres at risk. Kyiv remains a key target, and Ukrainian officials have repeatedly appealed to international partners for greater military support and stronger air defence measures to protect the capital and other major population centres.