Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility for Saudi Oil Facility Attacks from Iraqi Territory

More than a day after a joint US-Saudi strike against pro-Iranian militias, Gulf sources told Reuters that Yemen's Houthi rebels were behind recent attacks on Saudi Arabia launched from Iraq, not Iran. The Houthis reportedly coordinated with Iranian-backed militias, striking oil facilities in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, home to the kingdom's main crude oil centers.

The US and Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes overnight Tuesday-Wednesday targeting pro-Iranian militias in eastern Iraq in response to Iranian missile fire toward a US base in Jordan, which was successfully intercepted. The strikes aimed to degrade militia capabilities responsible for over 30 drone attacks on US forces in the past 72 hours and to damage energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. According to the US Central Command, the strikes hit weapons and logistical sites precisely. The New York Times later reported about 20 Iranian advisors, including Revolutionary Guards members, were killed.

The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi territory, acknowledging they operated from Iraqi soil with militia support. Iraqi authorities have launched an investigation. Analysts note that "Resistance Axis" groups, including the Houthis and militias, train and coordinate directly with each other beyond Iran. Iraq's strategic location and porous 800-kilometer border with Saudi Arabia make it an ideal launchpad for such attacks.

These developments occur amid escalating US-Iran regional tensions and highlight Iraq's growing role as a pivotal battleground. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi faces pressure from the US to disarm pro-Iranian militias by September 30, coinciding with the withdrawal of the US-led coalition fighting ISIS. However, many militias resist disarmament, complicating Iraq's internal security dynamics.