Al-Maliki’s remarks came in an interview with German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, during which he also denounced Saudi Arabian rulers as an outdated one which is exposed to threats stemming from the Syria crisis.

He further held Washington responsible for the continued bloodshed in Syria, adding that had it not been for the US and Saudi Arabia's interference, the warring sides in Syria would have resolved their differences through dialogue.

The Iraqi premier also warned that the Syria crisis could spread across the region and shake Jordan.

Saudi Arabia has been the main supplier of weapons and funds to the foreign-backed militants inside Syria.

Citing Western and Arab diplomats as well as foreign-backed Syrian opposition sources, the Wall Street Journal reported on February 15 that Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide foreign-sponsored militant groups in Syria with more sophisticated weaponry, including anti-aircraft shoulder-fired missiles.

An unnamed Saudi source, who is close to decision-makers in the country, also said on February 23 that Pakistan produces its own version of Chinese shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, known as Anza, and anti-tank rockets, both of which Riyadh is planning to get for the militants.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Some sources say around 130,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by Western-backed militants.

MB/MB