Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki warned that the latest escalation of violence in his country will spill over to those countries which led a “conspiracy” against Iraq as a major oil refinery caught fire after coming under terrorist attack.

“We will face terrorism and we will bring down the conspiracy. But be sure they will flee to you and your countries will also be burned by sectarian wars,” Maliki said in his weekly televised speech, referring to the countries that Iraq earlier accused of supporting terrorist groups.

Sunni terrorist groups attacked the strife-torn country’s largest oil refinery in Salahudin province sparking a huge fire, a provincial police source said.

A statement issued by Maliki’s office said neighbouring Saudi Arabia was responsible for “financing and supporting” the insurgent groups in Iraq that led to bloodshed of Iraqis and devastation in the country.

Iraq Requests US for Air Strikes on Militants

Jeddah: Iraq has asked the United States to carry out air strikes on Sunni jihadists, who attacked the country’s main oil refinery and seized more territory in the north.

The appeal came as fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) were pressing a week-long offensive that has brought them close to the capital, and as Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki pledging to face down “terrorism.”

“Iraq has officially asked Washington to help under the security agreement (between the two countries), and to conduct air strikes against terrorist groups,” Zebari told reporters in Saudi Arabia.

The United States spent millions of dollars over several years training and arming a new Iraqi army after disbanding the Sunni-led force created by the late dictator Saddam Hussein.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has said drone strikes could be used.