Saudi Arabia warns of imminent coordinated attacks by Iran-backed Houthis and Iraqi militias

Saudi Arabia is bracing for imminent, coordinated attacks on its airports, ports, and energy infrastructure by Iraqi militias and Yemeni Houthis under the supervision of Iran's IRGC. The warning, backed by joint Saudi-US intelligence, comes amid rising regional tensions, including an August 6, 2026 Houthi strike in Najran Province that wounded 11 civilians. Despite the threats, Riyadh is continuing diplomatic de-escalation talks with Iran while finalizing a defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan.

Imminent coordinated attacks warning

• ▪A senior Saudi official stated on August 6, 2026 that Saudi Arabia expects imminent coordinated attacks from the north and south by Iraqi militias and Yemen's Houthis.
• ▪Intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and regional countries indicate that the planned attacks could target Saudi civilian and economic sites, including energy infrastructure, ports, and airports.

Iran-backed militia coordination

• ▪The planned coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabia are reportedly being organized under the supervision and guidance of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
• ▪Saudi Arabia has observed meetings between Iraqi representatives, Houthis, and members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, alongside the movement of drones and missiles.

Najran Province civilian casualties

• ▪The civilian victims of the August 6, 2026 Houthi attack in Najran Province included a four-year-old child who suffered second-degree burns.
• ▪An attack by Yemen's Houthis on southern Saudi Arabia's Najran Province on August 6, 2026 wounded 11 civilians, including seven Saudis, one Yemeni, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani.

Saudi de-escalation efforts

• ▪Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are scheduled to sign a joint defense agreement in Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026.
• ▪A senior Saudi official stated that Riyadh is continuing to pursue de-escalation and a negotiated settlement with Iran, and that the planned attacks may be intended to disrupt these diplomatic efforts.

US-Iran war regional spillover

• ▪On July 29, 2026, Saudi Arabia and US Central Command conducted joint air strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
• ▪US President Donald Trump stated on August 7, 2026 that he believed the United States' war on Iran would end soon after military actions were paused for peace talks.
• ▪Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks in Marib and Hadramout provinces on August 6, 2026 that killed at least 30 Yemeni government troops.