The umbrella group of Iraqi anti-terror fighters announced in a statement that it had deferred a pre-planned operation that was scheduled for Friday after receiving a request from Hadi al-Ameri and in support of the positions taken by several Iraqi political leaders. It further urged Iraqi political figures "whose positions and power have distracted them from defending the blood of the martyrs and the country's violated sovereignty" to reconsider their stance and "return to the right path." He added that "the rights of the martyrs and wounded will be pursued through diplomatic means." The delay follows an ultimatum reportedly set by the resistance for the Iraqi government to take action over the strikes. Saudi Arabia said the attacks came in response to attacks against its oil facilities that it claimed were launched from Iraq without providing evidence.