Saudi Arabia is preparing for potential attacks on its ports and airports by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis, according to a Saudi official.

Background

The official cited multiple intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia, the US, and regional countries indicating that the Iraqi militias, in coordination with the Houthis, are planning to attack the Gulf nation in the very near future under the guidance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The reports of impending attacks come a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, a key shipping route. In the past few weeks, Saudi Arabia has come under missile attacks from the Houthis in Yemen and drone attacks from pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.

The Saudi official expressed alarm, saying the reports came as Saudi Arabia was pursuing de-escalation and when Iran-related negotiations appeared to be heading in the right direction. The official added that Saudi Arabia will take all necessary measures to deal with any aggression.

Potential Targets

The potential targets of the attacks are mostly civilian and economic installations, including energy facilities, ports, and airports. The official declined to disclose further details.

Despite the reports, the official said Saudi Arabia would continue its de-escalation efforts and contacts with Iraqi authorities. The official declined to disclose details of their responses.

Shortly after the official’s statement, the Saudi-led coalition said that 11 civilians were injured in a Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen. Seven of those wounded were Saudi nationals, including a woman and a 4-year-old child with second-degree burns. A Yemeni national, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani were also injured.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.