Drones from Iraq attack and set pipeline on fire in Saudi Arabia

Iran-backed militias in Iraq staged simultaneous drone attacks against Saudi Arabia on Friday, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with Houthi rebels who have taken control of Red Sea coastal areas in Yemen. According to a Baghdad source, the attacks were intended to show support for the Houthis amid a growing US-Iran standoff. However, the attacks on Saudi Arabia from both Iraq and Yemen signal a renewed alignment among Iranian proxies in the region.

The drone strikes targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, forcing its shutdown and threatening energy prices. Saudi Arabia declined to retaliate at the moment, following Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's request. Iraq has since dismissed a military commander, closed border crossings with Iran, and tightened security in the south of Baghdad, from which the drones were launched.

Baghdad has not claimed any joint operations with Yemeni rebels, stating that the attack was to demonstrate solidarity with the Houthis amid their continuous aggression. The Houthis have seized the strategic Perim Island in the Bab Al Mandeb strait, exacerbating the energy squeeze on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula and causing global oil prices to surpass $100 per barrel.

The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the US, who carried out strikes on Popular Mobilisation Forces in late July, resulting in at least 20 fighters killed and numerous others wounded. Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed militias of launching drones at energy installations in eastern Saudi Arabia, while US Central Command claimed the strikes were conducted in coordination with Riyadh.

Iraqi officials denounced the July strikes as a violation of their country's sovereignty. In response, militia leaders threatened to target Saudi and US interests if the attacks persisted, deepening fears of a wider conflict. The latest developments intensify pressure on Baghdad to maintain control over armed groups operating outside state authority. The government plans to enhance its air defense capabilities and mark the end of the international coalition's mission in Iraq on September 30.