Iraq condemns "attack" on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and urges halt to military actions

The Iraqi government on Sunday condemned the "attack" on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh, which resulted in casualties and human and material losses, which "harms" regional security and stability.

This came in an official statement issued by the spokesperson of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu'man, who affirmed the Iraqi government's rejection of any escalation of military and aggressive actions, particularly those that affect civilians and civilian facilities, as they deepen the roots of disputes and leave negative effects on overall peace in the region.

The statement added that Iraq calls for a comprehensive halt to military actions and for shielding civilians and sister peoples from their consequences and outcomes, and preventing civilian facilities from being exposed to aggression and harm.

Al-Nu'man continued that Iraq always supports dialogue and understanding as an alternative to any military or violent action in order to prioritize the entrenched interests of fraternal peoples, and also supports ensuring freedom of navigation, aviation and movement in the region, and prioritizing comprehensive economic and developmental interests.

This comes alongside announcements by the Saudi authorities and the Civil Aviation Authority that the attack — the third of its kind in a few days amid escalation by the Yemeni Houthi group — resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 309 others with varying wounds.

The list of victims included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and one victim each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.