Senior Iraqi security delegation heads to Saudi Arabia

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — A high-level Iraqi security delegation will travel to Riyadh on Thursday, August 13, 2026, to conduct talks regarding recent cross-border drone strikes targeting petroleum infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, according to a senior government source.

The delegation will be led by General Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, alongside Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) Chief Hamid Al-Shatri. The trip follows a reciprocal visit to Baghdad days earlier by Saudi Intelligence Chief Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan.

Key Security & Diplomatic Developments

• High-Level Delegation: Led by General Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari and Intelligence Chief Hamid Al-Shatri to establish joint intelligence-sharing protocols with Riyadh.
• Incident Background: Late last month, the Saudi Ministry of Defense reported intercepting several drones originating from Iraqi territory targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh.
• Domestic Investigation: Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih al-Zaidi ordered a formal military investigation into the launch origins following the Saudi allegations.
• Diplomatic Mediation: The visit comes after international and regional mediation restored diplomatic channels following the cancellation of Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s planned trip to Riyadh late last month amid joint U.S.-Saudi strikes inside Iraq.
• Regional Position: During a recent bilateral meeting in Amman between Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Riyadh reaffirmed support for Iraq while stressing the necessity that Iraqi territory not be utilized as a platform for aggression against neighboring states.

The bilateral security summit aims to reinforce radar tracking, anti-drone intelligence sharing, and border surveillance between Baghdad and Riyadh.

While the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” denied responsibility for the Saudi oil facility strikes, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s administration is taking direct steps to prevent unauthorized non-state launches, safeguard Iraqi sovereignty, and protect diplomatic and economic ties with Riyadh.