Iraq has ordered that its air defences and intelligence activities be bolstered, a government spokesperson says after US-Saudi strikes on pro-Iran fighters accused of launching attacks in the region, AFP reports.

Spokesman Sabah al-Numan says that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi “issued strict and immediate orders … to raise alertness and readiness to the maximum across all camps and bases, particularly at the official bases of the armed forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi”.

Rebuilding and modernising air defence capabilities is a “top priority”, Numan states, adding that this includes accelerating plans to equip and arm modern radar, early-detection and air defence systems.

Numan adds that Zaidi’s orders include strengthening intelligence activities “with the emphasis on restricting weapons to the state” and preventing any “individual irresponsible actions”.