Saudi Arabian officials are reportedly preparing for co-ordinated attacks 'from the north and south' as Middle East tensions escalate. The assaults are expected to involve Iraqi militias and Yemeni Houthis, both overseen by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), potentially targeting key infrastructure in the oil-rich kingdom.
Potential targets and timing
The attacks could occur in the coming days, with targets described as 'mostly civilian and economic installations', including energy facilities, ports, and airports, according to an official speaking to CNN. The official stated, 'I think they want to co-ordinate attacks from both north and south.'
This heightened alert follows Saudi Arabia's joint air strikes with the US on Iranian-supported groups in Iraq on July 29. US President Donald Trump said on Friday morning (August 7) he believed the war on Iran would 'end pretty soon' after pausing military action to allow peace talks to continue. American military officials also indicated this week that they have used most of their highly accurate long-range missiles.
Regional context and recent incidents
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have risen recently after Houthi forces claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi shipping and military targets. In response, Saudi Arabia struck military targets in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition has been involved in Yemen's conflict since 2015, with the war ending in 2022 amid a humanitarian crisis.
Additionally, a Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's official government blamed a separate shelling attack in Saudi territory on the Houthis, reporting 11 civilians injured in the Najran border region. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are set to sign a joint defense agreement in Saudi Arabia.
