Iraqi PM denies allegations attack drones took off from Iraq

Iraq’s prime minister is denying allegations that drones which targeted Saudi oil pipelines last month could have taken off from Iraq, rather than Yemen.

The attack - claimed by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militia - was part of a series of incidents that escalated tensions in the Gulf region amid a crisis between Washington and Tehran.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi told reporters in Baghdad late on Tuesday that American officials contacted the Iraqis recently, alleging the drones may have taken off from Iraq.

He said Iraqi military and intelligence have not confirmed such claims.

The May 14 attack on a Saudi pipeline forced a brief shutdown but caused no casualties.

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Iraq hosts more than 5,000 US troops, and is also home to powerful Iranian-backed militias.