Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said its forces, in coordination with the U.S. Central Command, targeted the positions of armed groups aligned with the Islamic Republic in Iraq. In a statement from the ministry, it said the attacks carried out early Wednesday were “in response to recent drone attacks.”

Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense, said the country’s air defense tracked and destroyed several drones that were trying to target oil installations in the Eastern Province and the Riyadh area. According to him, the drones were launched from Iraqi territory and by militias aligned with the Islamic Republic.

Saudi Arabia described the operation as falling within the right to self-defense based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The statement said the country is seeking not to escalate tensions, but it responds to any aggression.