Saudi Arabian officials are preparing for potential coordinated attacks from both the north and south amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The looming threats are believed to originate from Iraqi militias and Yemeni Houthis, both under the supervision of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This development heightens concerns in the region, with Saudi Arabia on high alert for possible assaults on vital infrastructure.
The close relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US was underscored when they collaborated on airstrikes in Iraq against Iranian-supported factions. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the conflict with Iran would soon conclude, halting military actions to facilitate peace negotiations. Additionally, reports indicate that the American military has nearly depleted its supply of precision long-range missiles.
An official conveyed to CNN that there are indications of planned attacks from multiple directions, targeting predominantly civilian and economic sites, particularly energy installations, ports, and airports. Recent hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have reignited following attacks by Yemeni Houthis on Saudi vessels and military installations, prompting retaliatory strikes by Saudi forces.
Saudi Arabia led a military campaign against the Houthis in northern Yemen in 2015, culminating in 2022 amid a humanitarian crisis. In a separate development, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are poised to sign a collective defense pact in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s government attributed a shelling incident in Saudi territory to the Houthis, resulting in injuries to 11 civilians in the Najran border region.