BAGHDAD, 20 Oct. - (ANA) - Iraqi security forces have detained seven Ukrainian nationals suspected of plotting attacks on oil facilities in Persian Gulf states, as reports of Kiev’s cooperation with militant groups in West Asia raise serious questions about Ukraine’s covert military activities abroad, a report says.

 

The seven Ukrainians were arrested in late July on suspicion of using drones to target energy installations in the region, the Cradle reported on Friday.

 

The arrests come amid a dispute between Baghdad and Riyadh after Saudi Arabia claimed on July 27 that it had intercepted drones allegedly launched from Iraqi territory, prompting Baghdad to order an investigation and pledge not to allow Iraqi land to be used for attacks against neighboring states.

 

Days later, US and Saudi warplanes launched intense airstrikes against Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), killing at least 20 resistance fighters and injuring dozens more.

 

In September, Riyadh renewed its allegations against Iraqi resistance groups following a drone attack on its East-West oil pipeline.

 

The Islamic resistance in Iraq strongly rejected the allegations, declaring on September 12 that the accusations linking it to attacks on vital Saudi installations were “an honor we do not claim,” while condemning Baghdad’s acceptance of the claims without credible evidence or concrete investigations.

 

Meanwhile, sources told the Cradle that Ukrainian operatives have been active in several countries, training local armed groups to use drones and prepare for military operations, while Kiev’s intelligence agencies have reportedly expanded cooperation with militants in Syria, Mali, Libya, and South Africa.

 

The reported operations involve heavy “BA AYGA” drones capable of carrying large quantities of ammunition and explosives, with local militia assembling and preparing the aircraft while Ukrainian intelligence personnel control them remotely.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/20 October 2026 - - -