Saudi defense minister tells Iraqi military official: we stand with Baghdad

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met on June 26 in Riyadh with Lieutenant General Abdulamir al-Shammari, director of the office of Iraq's Chief of Staff, to discuss military and defense relations and regional developments. In a written statement, the Saudi defense minister said the kingdom would continue to support Iraq's security, stability, development and prosperity, and that coordination between the two countries serves their shared interests and regional security. The Iraqi delegation accompanying al-Shammari included Intelligence Service Director Hamid al-Shatti, Air Defense Commander Lieutenant General Muhand al-Asadi and Counter-Terrorism Service Chief Major General Zaid Hawshi. The visit follows recent drone attacks blamed on Iran-backed groups against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia's eastern region and Riyadh, according to the statement's context. The Saudi Defense Ministry said last month that several drones allegedly launched from Iraqi territory had been intercepted. Separately, Saudi General Intelligence Chief Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan met in Baghdad last week with Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi as part of intelligence coordination between the two countries. No further details on the outcomes of the Riyadh meeting were immediately available.