Houthis Coordinate With Iraqi Groups to Strike Saudi Arabia From Iraqi Soil

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia this week using Iraqi territory, working alongside Iraqi armed groups, according to regional officials, signaling deepening cooperation among Iran-backed militias across the region.

Coordinated Attacks Target Key Oil Facilities

The assessments, which differ from official public statements, suggest members of Iran’s broader network of allied groups have strengthened operational ties despite years of military pressure from the US and Israel. The attacks reportedly included strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, a critical hub for the kingdom’s crude production. Officials say the operations were carried out under coordination involving Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Saudi Arabia and US Respond With Strikes

Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia carried out joint airstrikes with the United States targeting Iraqi sites believed to be linked to the assault, formally attributing responsibility to Iraq-based armed factions aligned with Iran. The Houthis have separately claimed responsibility for the attacks, while Iraqi officials say they are investigating the matter further.

Long-Standing Ties Between Militant Groups

Cooperation between the Houthis and Iraqi factions, particularly the heavily armed Kataib Hezbollah, has existed for years, including a previously announced joint operations room and coordinated actions targeting Israel. Analysts note Iraq’s vast, difficult-to-monitor border with Saudi Arabia makes it an attractive location for launching cross border attacks throughout the Gulf region.

Diplomatic Fallout Follows Strikes

Iraq’s prime minister canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia this week following the Saudi-led strikes on Iraqi territory, as the country continues facing pressure to consolidate control over armed groups operating within its borders.