Iraq removes Maysan operations commander after attacks on Saudi Arabia

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Al-Zaidi ordered the removal of the commander of Maysan Operations Command after authorities established that attacks targeting Saudi Arabia were launched from a location inside the southern Iraqi province.Al-Zaidi also ordered the formation of an investigative council into the Maysan Operations Command, according to Sabah Al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces.The move followed an Iraqi government statement condemning the attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledging urgent action to identify those responsible.The Iraqi government said it rejected any attack threatening Saudi Arabia’s security and stability or harming the longstanding relations between the two countries.It also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to respond to Iraqi efforts to contain the situation, saying the move reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to Iraq’s security and stability and to maintaining cooperation between the two countries.Al-Zaidi ordered an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the parties behind them, as well as legal action against anyone found to have been involved.The Iraqi government said the state “will not tolerate any activity that exposes Iraq or its relations with brotherly and friendly countries to danger.”It pledged to work with regional and international partners to prevent similar attacks from recurring and reiterated that Iraqi territory and airspace would not be allowed to serve as a launchpad for attacks against any country.The developments came after Saudi Arabia said its strategic East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions was targeted by multiple drones launched from Iraq, causing injuries and damage.The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attacks but said the Kingdom had chosen not to respond at this stage following a request from the Iraqi prime minister to allow Baghdad to take measures to prevent attacks originating from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.Saudi Arabia said it would support the Iraqi government’s efforts while stressing that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, citizens and residents.The Ministry of Energy earlier said the East-West Pipeline had been shut down as a precaution after multiple attacks on Thursday morning.The attacks resulted in a number of injuries, and emergency and specialized technical teams were deployed to secure the pipeline and assess its safety in coordination with relevant authorities.