Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia wounds 11 civilians as kingdom warns of wider threat

A senior Saudi official warned on Thursday that the kingdom expects coordinated attacks from Iraqi militias and Yemen's Houthis, backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to target civilian and economic sites in the near future. According to intelligence reports from multiple countries, including the United States, such targets could include energy infrastructure, ports, and airports.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Saudi Arabia has observed the movement of drones and missiles, suggesting preparations for coordinated operations from both directions. Despite ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and pursue a negotiated settlement, the official emphasized that these reported threats were particularly concerning, as they might be aimed at disrupting those diplomatic efforts.

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have been engaged in conflict in recent weeks, with the Iran-aligned group imposing a naval blockade on the kingdom in the Red Sea and claiming attacks on Saudi shipping and military targets. In response, Riyadh conducted strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq with the help of U.S. Central Command on July 29.

Iraqi militias subsequently threatened retaliation. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have escalated, prompting Riyadh to take all necessary measures to counter any aggression.