2026-05-20T18:51:21+00:00
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Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee called
on Wednesday for an “emergency budget” to strengthen the country’s air defenses
following Gulf accusations that drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE
originated from Iraqi territory.
Committee member Yasser Watout told Shafaq News that the
governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE should provide “concrete evidence”
supporting their recent accusations.
“The protection of Iraqi airspace is the responsibility of
the Global Coalition,” Watout pointed out.
He also questioned how such operations could occur without
being detected, noting that Iraqi skies is monitored by US and Israeli aircraft
as well as advanced surveillance systems and satellites, urging both countries
to clarify whether the drones were launched from southern, central, or northern
Iraq.
He suggested that a “third party” could be behind the
attacks in an attempt to fuel tensions between Iraq and Gulf countries.
Earlier today, Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National
Security ordered an investigation into the alleged drone attacks and warned of
legal action against those responsible if the accusations are confirmed. The
council also formed a special committee to coordinate with Saudi and Emirati
authorities, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Al-Zaidi
instructed security agencies to take all necessary measures against any
individuals or groups involved.
Read more: How the Iran–US–Israel war exposes Iraq’s defense paralysis
On May 17, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced that it
had intercepted and destroyed three drones after they entered the kingdom’s
airspace from Iraq, warning that Riyadh would take the necessary operational
measures “at the appropriate time and place.”
Later, the UAE Defense Ministry also revealed that it had intercepted six drones originating from Iraq over 48 hours
targeting the Barakah Nuclear Plant.
Iraq’s armed forces have relied on foreign defense
procurement since the early 2000s, with recent efforts focused on rebuilding
deterrence amid regional instability and increasing pressure to assert airspace
sovereignty —particularly following repeated breaches during the 12-day war between
Iran and Israel in 2025.
Read more: Iraq’s air defense void: How US vetoes, and Russian limits leave Baghdad exposed