Houthis Launch Attacks on Saudi Arabia From Iraq, Sources Say

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has expanded its military operations against Saudi Arabia, launching attacks from Iraqi territory in coordination with Iraqi armed groups, according to regional security sources. The development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, opening a new front against Saudi Arabia and highlighting growing cooperation among Iran-aligned militias across the Middle East.

According to officials familiar with regional intelligence, the attacks were carried out by Houthi fighters working alongside Iraqi armed factions under the coordination of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes reportedly targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and other strategic facilities, while the Houthis publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks without acknowledging the role of Iraqi-based groups.

Security sources said the cooperation reflects a broader strategy by the so-called “Axis of Resistance” a network of Iran-backed armed groups operating across Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere. Analysts believe Iraq has become an attractive operational base because of its vast territory, proximity to Saudi Arabia and the difficulty authorities face in fully controlling armed militias operating within the country.

The reported attacks prompted a joint military response by Saudi Arabia and the United States, which carried out airstrikes against suspected Iran-aligned militia positions in Iraq. Officials said the strikes were intended to deter further attacks on Saudi territory and disrupt the network believed to be supporting the Houthis’ operations.

The revelation also sheds light on the increasingly close relationship between the Houthis and Iraqi armed groups. Intelligence officials say the two sides have maintained a joint operations room since 2024, allowing them to coordinate logistics, planning and military activities. The latest attacks suggest that cooperation has now evolved into cross-border offensive operations.

The Iraqi government has announced an investigation into the alleged use of its territory to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia. However, critics argue that Baghdad continues to struggle to assert full control over powerful militia groups operating within the country. The issue has complicated Iraq’s relations with Gulf Arab states and reportedly led Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to cancel a planned visit to Saudi Arabia following the retaliatory strikes.

The escalation comes amid a broader deterioration in regional security linked to the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran. In recent weeks, Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea have intensified, while Saudi Arabia has sought to build an international coalition to protect maritime trade and respond to the growing threat posed by Iran-backed groups.

Energy analysts warn that expanding attacks on Saudi infrastructure could have significant implications for global oil markets. With continued tensions around both the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions to energy exports remain a major concern for governments and investors worldwide. Diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators, including Oman, are continuing in an attempt to prevent the conflict from widening further.