Iraqi security forces discovered drone-launch pads in the remote Al-Tayeb area of Maysan province near the Iranian border following drone attacks on the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, according to two Iraqi security sources who spoke to Agence France-Presse.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq both confirmed that the drone strikes originated from Iraqi territory. In response, Saudi Arabia temporarily halted operations on the pipeline connecting the Eastern Province to the western coast as a precautionary measure after multiple drone strikes hit the Riyadh and Medina regions. A source in the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that the strikes caused “some injuries.”
Iraqi Security Overhaul and Border Closures
The Iraqi Prime Minister approved a request from Iran to participate in a joint investigation into the drone-launch pads found near the shared border. The Prime Minister’s office announced in an official statement that the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the launchers.
To enforce accountability, authorities dismissed the operations commander in Maysan province and appointed Staff Major General Ali Abdul Hussain Kazem as his replacement. Several other security officials in the province were detained and referred for investigation. Furthermore, Iraqi authorities closed three border crossings with Iran, reflecting the serious security fallout of the incident on bilateral relations.
Did You Know? Iraqi security forces located the drone-launch pads in the remote Al-Tayeb area of Maysan province, situated directly near the border with Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the drone-launch pads found?
According to two Iraqi security sources, security forces found the drone-launch pads in the remote Al-Tayeb area of Maysan province, near the border with Iran.
Which Saudi oil asset was targeted in the attacks?
The attacks targeted the East-West oil pipeline that connects the Eastern Province to the western coast, prompting Saudi Arabia to halt operations there as a precautionary measure.
What security measures did the Iraqi government take after the incident?
The Iraqi government dismissed the operations commander in Maysan province, appointed Staff Major General Ali Abdul Hussain Kazem as his successor, detained multiple security officials for investigation, closed three border crossings with Iran, and agreed to a joint investigation with Iranian participation.
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