The story

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraq that targeted petroleum facilities in the kingdom's Eastern Province and Riyadh, the Saudi Defence Ministry said Monday. The ministry said the drones were launched by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and called on the Iraqi government to prevent Iraqi territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks.

The attacks came during a lull in fighting since Saturday, following 13 days of exchanges of fire between the US and Iran. Pro-Iran armed groups based in Iraq have not claimed any attacks in Iraq or the region since the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran earlier this month after an April ceasefire broke down.

Separately, Yemen's Houthi rebels said Monday they launched drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure in response to incursions by the kingdom's drones. The Houthis' military spokesman said several drones struck targets involved in the supply and transport of crude oil from eastern Saudi Arabia to the port city of Yanbu. Saudi Arabia had not commented on the Houthi claims. The ministry did not initially provide details on any possible damage or casualties.