Saudi official warns of possible attacks by Iraqi armed groups
Shafaq News- Riyadh/ Baghdad
Saudi Arabia has received intelligence indicating that Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups may be preparing imminent attacks on the kingdom in coordination with Yemen's Houthis, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed Saudi official.
The official said Saudi authorities had detected transfers of drones and missiles that suggested preparations for coordinated attacks from Iraq and Yemen. “Potential targets could include civilian and economic infrastructure, including energy facilities, ports and airports,” the official said.
"We are surprised by reports of planned attacks at a time when Saudi Arabia is seeking de-escalation and a peaceful solution," the official told Reuters, adding that Riyadh remained in contact with all parties, including Iran, and supported mediation efforts.
Earlier today, an Iraqi source told Shafaq News that armed factions had temporarily suspended plans to retaliate against Saudi Arabia while demanding an official apology and compensation. The source said the groups warned they “could proceed with retaliatory action if their demands were not met.”
On July 29, US-Saudi strikes targeted facilities used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a state security organization comprising mostly Shiite armed factions. The PMF said the strikes killed 20 of its members and wounded 32 others, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation targeted weapons depots and logistics sites belonging to Iran-backed groups it accused of planning attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Read more: Iraq under regional pressure as neighbors threaten to strike Iran-aligned factions
