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Attacks thwarted, 5 US soldiers wounded... Ain al-Asad renews tensions between Washington and Baghdad

Iraqi authorities revealed on Tuesday that they had thwarted attacks against US forces inside their territory, in an apparent attempt to deter

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Iraqi authorities revealed today (Tuesday) that they had thwarted attacks against US forces within their territory, in an apparent attempt to keep the country from being drawn into the escalation between Iran and Israel. However, the situation became more complicated following last night's missile attack on the Ain al-Asad military base, which resulted in injuries to five US soldiers, one of whom was seriously wounded.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Iraqi government demonstrated its commitment to the partnership agreement with Washington, during a call between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Recent tensions in the region are believed to affect negotiations for the withdrawal of US forces, according to analysts, while Blinken's call was described as a warning to Baghdad and Tehran.

The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Yahya Rasool, confirmed that “the government has succeeded to a great extent in reducing the targeting of Iraqi military bases where advisors from the international coalition are present.” During the past two weeks, missiles were launched towards two bases that house coalition forces.

The Security Media Cell explained that missiles that were prepared for launch yesterday (Monday), after an attack on Ain al-Assad base in Anbar, were dismantled, stressing that it is pursuing the perpetrators of the attack on the base to bring them to justice, stressing that those negligent among the leaders and officers in the attack on Ain al-Assad base will be held accountable, and we will not accept that our lands be an arena for settling scores, mixing things up and being dragged into the horrors of wars.

The Security Media Cell stated that the attack on Ain al-Assad base was carried out with two missiles launched from within the Haditha district in Anbar province, indicating that important information has been obtained about the perpetrators of the attack and that they are being pursued to bring them to justice.

On July 16, Ain al-Assad base was targeted by two drones without causing any injuries or damage, but the base suffered its most violent attack last night.

The work of the US-Iraqi High Military Committee to end the mission of the international coalition in Iraq is witnessing a state of stagnation, even with the start of the second round of negotiations, amid questions from Iraqi forces about the seriousness of Washington in withdrawing its forces from the country. According to political data and statements, the issue of removing the international coalition forces headed by Washington will not pass easily, especially since the American delegation that is negotiating with the Iraqi committee is imposing a lot of pressure on the committees tasked with their withdrawal.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense revealed details of Iraq’s talks with the United States regarding the withdrawal of international coalition forces, explaining that it led the second dialogue on joint security cooperation between the United States and Iraq with the US Department of Defense in Washington on July 22 and 23, 2024, noting that their commitment to security cooperation and the common interest in regional stability was emphasized.

The ministry said the two delegations discussed a range of bilateral security issues within the framework of the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement and in recognition of our comprehensive partnership, noting that Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and representatives from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. Central Command, the State Department and National Security Council staff.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

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Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attacks and affirms its right to respond and protect its territory

The Kingdom strongly condemns the Iranian attacks on Riyadh and the Eastern Province. An official statement affirms its commitment to confronting the attacks and reserving the right to respond in order to protect the Kingdom's security and the stability of the region.

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Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attacks and affirms its right to respond and protect its territory

In a strongly worded official statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its categorical rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the blatant Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites in the capital, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The relevant authorities confirmed the success of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in intercepting and thwarting these cowardly attacks before they could achieve their objectives, reflecting the high level of readiness of the Kingdom's defense system in protecting its airspace and territory.

A blatant violation of sovereignty and international conventions

The official statement clarified that these attacks cannot be justified under any pretext and constitute a flagrant violation of international laws and norms that criminalize targeting civilian and populated areas. This dangerous escalation comes despite the Kingdom's previously measured stance, in which Saudi authorities clearly affirmed to the Iranian side that they would not permit the use of their airspace or territory as a platform for any military operations targeting Iran, as part of the Kingdom's efforts to keep the region away from further conflict.

The importance of the Eastern region and regional security

Targeting the Eastern Province takes on a dangerous dimension that transcends the geographical boundaries of the event, given the region's global economic and strategic importance as the world's main energy artery. Any threat to this region is not only a threat to the Kingdom's security, but also a direct threat to global energy supplies and international economic stability. Analysts point out that such hostile acts undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and fuel further inflame tensions at a time when the Middle East needs wisdom and dialogue.

The right of reply and the protection of national security

In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed that it will not hesitate to take all necessary and deterrent measures to defend its national security, protect its resources, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. The statement included firm language affirming the Kingdom's full right to respond to this aggression in the manner and at the time it deems appropriate, thus placing the international community before its responsibilities to condemn this reckless behavior that threatens regional and international peace and security.

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Crown Prince: The Kingdom's capabilities are being harnessed to support our brothers against Iran

The Crown Prince made contact with the leaders of the Gulf states and Jordan, stressing Saudi Arabia's full solidarity and its readiness to put all its capabilities at the disposal of its brothers in the face of the recent Iranian attacks.

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Crown Prince: The Kingdom's capabilities are being harnessed to support our brothers against Iran
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

In a firm stance that embodies the depth of fraternal ties and the unity of common destiny, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - conducted a series of intensive telephone calls today with the leaders of brotherly countries, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, and His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

During these calls, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attacks targeting the security and stability of these brotherly nations. He unequivocally affirmed the Kingdom's unwavering support for its brothers, emphasizing that the Kingdom is placing all its resources and capabilities at their disposal to support them in all measures they take to defend their security and sovereignty, considering any threat to the security of the Gulf states and Jordan a direct threat to the security of the Kingdom.

Strategic dimensions and unity of destiny

This decisive move by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reaffirms the long-standing principles of Saudi policy, which views the security of the Gulf region and the Arab world as a whole as indivisible. By virtue of its leading position and its political and economic weight, the Kingdom has always been a steadfast shield and primary support for its brothers in confronting regional challenges. This swift action reflects a profound sense of responsibility towards protecting Arab national security from any external threats that seek to destabilize this vital region of the world.

A history of solidarity in the face of challenges

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never hesitated to support Arab causes and stand against expansionist ambitions that threaten the region. These communications constitute a highly significant political message to the international and regional community, indicating that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan stand united as a solid bloc against any aggression. The high level of coordination among the leaders strengthens the joint defense system and sends a strong deterrent signal to any party that attempts to test the patience of the allies or tamper with the resources of the region's peoples.

Regional and international importance

This event is doubly important given the geopolitical location of the targeted countries. The Gulf region is the world's energy lifeline, and its stability is a cornerstone of the global economy. Therefore, Saudi Arabia's unwavering support is not only aimed at protecting the national borders of its sister nations, but also serves the interests of international peace and security, thwarting attempts to spread chaos that could disrupt international shipping lanes and global energy supplies.

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40 killed in Israeli bombing of a school in Minab, southern Iran

Forty female students were killed in an Israeli bombing that targeted the Al-Shajara Al-Tayyiba school in Minab, southern Iran, as part of the American-Israeli attack, amid ongoing rescue operations to recover the victims.

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40 killed in Israeli bombing of a school in Minab, southern Iran

In a dangerous and tragic military escalation, dozens of children were killed and others seriously injured on Saturday in a series of violent Israeli airstrikes targeting a primary school in southern Iran. This deadly attack comes within the context of the open war and military operations declared by the United States and Israel, threatening to worsen the humanitarian and security situation in the region.

Details of the attack on Al-Shajara Al-Tayyiba School

Iranian state media reported that the bombing directly targeted the "Good Tree" primary school for girls in the city of Minab. The horrific attack killed approximately 40 students, an initial toll expected to rise due to the intensity of the bombing and the large number of victims still trapped under the rubble. Field reports indicated that the school housed around 170 students at the time of the airstrikes, turning the area into a scene of devastation and panic.

Civil defense and ambulance teams rushed to the scene of the accident, where they have so far managed to recover the bodies of 10 children, while search and rescue operations are still continuing at full speed amidst the rubble of the destroyed building, in an attempt to save as many innocent lives as possible.

Geographical and strategic context of the city of Minab

The city of Minab is located in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, a vital area near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Targeting this region indicates an expansion of the conflict into the Iranian interior and sensitive southern areas. Historically, these areas have been relatively spared direct attacks on civilian educational facilities, making this incident a dangerous turning point in the existing rules of military engagement.

Background to the conflict and escalating tensions

This attack coincides with the start of the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, a development reflecting the peak of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East in recent years. While the two sides have long exchanged threats and indirect strikes, the escalation to open warfare and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and facilities has placed the entire region on the brink of a conflagration, amid international fears of a slide into a full-blown regional war.

Humanitarian and legal implications

The targeting of schools and educational facilities has sparked outrage and condemnation, as these acts constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which clearly stipulate the protection of civilians, especially children, and the neutrality of educational institutions in military operations. This incident is expected to cast a dark shadow on the international scene, with growing calls to end the targeting of civilians and to spare children the horrors of armed conflict, for which they always pay the heaviest price.

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