Saudi Arabia says it intercepted three drones targeting oil facilities in Eastern Province

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that air defenses intercepted three drones aimed at oil facilities in the Eastern Province in recent hours. The ministry said the attempts were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-backed militias, and that the kingdom reserved the right to defend itself and respond at an appropriate time. The statement followed a separate Defense Ministry announcement on Monday that several drones coming from Iraqi territory had been prevented and shot down. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi ordered an investigation into drone attacks launched from his country toward Saudi Arabia, Iraqi officials said. Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province hosts much of the kingdom's oil infrastructure, including sites operated by state giant Saudi Aramco. The ministry reiterated that it held Iran-linked militias responsible for the latest attempted strikes. No further details on casualties or damage were immediately available.