Regional officials cite growing coordination among Iran-aligned groups as Iraq investigates claims
RIYADH: Some of this week’s attacks on Saudi Arabia were launched from Iraqi territory in coordination with Iran-aligned Houthi fighters and Iraqi armed groups, according to assessments by Saudi Arabia and its regional partners cited by Reuters.
Reuters, quoting two regional officials, reported that the assessment differs from official public accounts and suggests closer operational coordination among members of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.” The officials further alleged that the operations were carried out under the supervision of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran has not commented on the allegations.
The reported attacks included strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. In response, Saudi Arabia and the United States conducted joint air strikes on sites in Iraq on Wednesday, saying they targeted locations linked to the attacks. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the strikes, while Iraq has said it is investigating whether any attacks originated from its territory.
Longstanding cooperation under renewed focus
According to Reuters, analysts say cooperation between the Houthis and Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups has existed for years, particularly with Kataib Hezbollah. The Houthis previously announced a joint operations room with Iraqi factions and later claimed a joint operation targeting Israel.
Regional analysts told Reuters that Iraq’s geography and its long border with Saudi Arabia make it strategically significant for armed groups seeking to conduct cross-border operations.
Regional tensions continue to rise
Reuters also reported that Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the assessments, while the Houthis have maintained that their attacks are a response to Saudi military operations in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has denied Houthi claims that it is imposing a siege on Yemen.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reportedly cancelled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia following the joint US-Saudi strikes. Reuters said Zaidi continues to pursue plans to place all weapons under state control by the end of September despite resistance from some armed factions.
The Reuters report contains assessments and allegations from unnamed regional officials that have not been independently verified. Investigations by Iraqi authorities remain ongoing.
