Saudi Arabia is preparing for possible coordinated attacks by Iran-backed groups, with intelligence reports indicating that Yemen’s Houthis and Iraqi militias could target the kingdom under the supervision
of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Reuters and Al Arabiya reported.
A senior Saudi official told Reuters that Riyadh had received intelligence from Saudi Arabia, the United States and other regional countries suggesting that civilian and economic sites could be targeted. These include energy infrastructure, ports and airports.
The official said Saudi Arabia had also detected movements of drones and missiles, pointing to possible coordinated operations from the north and south.
Al Arabiya, citing a senior Saudi source, reported that multiple intelligence reports indicated coordination between the Houthis, Iraqi militias and the IRGC for potential attacks on Saudi territory.
Riyadh Warns Of Threat To Key Sites
According to the reports, the possible targets include oil and energy facilities, critical infrastructure, airports and ports.
The Saudi official told Reuters that the reported threat was particularly concerning as Riyadh continued efforts towards de-escalation and a negotiated settlement. The official said the planned attacks could be aimed at disrupting diplomatic efforts involving regional parties, including Iran.
Saudi Arabia said its cooperation with the US remained strong at all levels, including operational coordination with US Central Command. The official added that Riyadh was prepared to take necessary measures to respond to any aggression.
Tensions Rise In Region
The reported threat comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed groups in the region.
On July 29, Saudi Arabia said it carried out strikes with US Central Command against Iran-backed groups in Iraq after blaming them for drone attacks on its oil facilities. Iraqi militias later warned of a response.
Tensions with Yemen’s Houthis have also intensified in recent weeks after the Iran-aligned group announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and claimed attacks on Saudi shipping and military targets. Riyadh has responded with strikes on Houthi military positions in Yemen.
(With inputs from Reuters)
