Saudi Arabia says Iranian sponsorship of attack undeniable, displays arms

Reuters , Wednesday 18 Sep 2019

Saudi Arabia
Journalists film what Saudi military spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki said was evidence of Iranian weaponry used in the attack targeted Saudi Aramco's facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais, during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 AFP

Saudi Arabia displayed remnants of what it described as Iranian drones and cruise missiles used in an attack on Saudi oil facilities as “undeniable” evidence of Iranian aggression.

Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said a total of 25 drones and missiles were launched at two oil plants in last weekend’s strikes, including what he identified as Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and “Ya Ali” cruise missiles. He said the missiles have been used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

1
A Saudi military officer walks by what was described asa the remains of Iranian cruise missiles and drones used in an attack this weekend that targeted the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, during a press conference by military spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 AP

“The attack was launched from the north and unquestionably sponsored by Iran,” he told a news conference. “The evidence ... that you have seen in front of you, makes this undeniable.”

Iran has denied any involvement in the assault that initially halved Saudi Arabia’s oil production.

Malki said both drones and missiles were launched at Abqaiq, home to the world’s largest oil processing facility, and that cruise missiles had targeted Khurais.

2
Saudi military spokesman Col. Turki al-Malki displays what he describes as an Iranian cruise missile and drones used in an attack this weekend that targeted the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 AP

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition, had claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Malki, who is also the spokesman for the coalition, reiterated that the attack could not have come from Yemen, saying the Houthi movement was “covering up” for Iran.

3
Remains of the missiles which Saudi government says were used to attack an Aramco oil facility, are displayed during a news conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 18, 2019. REUTERS

Short link: