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Saudi Arabia intercepts drones from Iraq; Houthis claim attacks on oil sites
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On July 27, 2026, the Saudi Defence Ministry reported intercepting multiple drones launched from Iraqi territory by Iranian-backed militias, targeting petroleum facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia and Riyadh. Separately, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, citing retaliation for Saudi drone incursions. The attacks occur during a lull in fighting following 13 days of US-Iran exchanges after an April ceasefire collapsed. Saudi Arabia demanded Iraq prevent further use of its territory for attacks. The Houthi strikes mark the first significant escalation between the two sides in years, threatening a 2022 truce that had held despite expiring. Pro-Iran Iraqi groups had not claimed attacks since hostilities resumed earlier in July.
Source report
Published - July 27, 2026 11:11 pm IST — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AFP
Saudi Defence Ministry: Attacks Launched from Iraqi Territory
The Saudi Defence Ministry announced on Monday (July 27, 2026) that it had intercepted several drones launched by pro-Iran groups in Iraq. In an official statement posted on social media, the Ministry described the incidents as "terrorist attempts launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iranian-backed terrorist militias."
According to the Ministry, the drones targeted petroleum facilities in areas of eastern Saudi Arabia and the capital, Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has demanded that Iraq "take all necessary measures to ensure the prevention of the use of its territory as a launching point" for attacks, according to a separate statement posted by an official Saudi broadcaster.
Houthi Rebels Claim Drone Attacks on Saudi Oil Sites
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure on Monday. In a statement, the group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the attacks targeted a number of sensitive crude oil supply and transport sites.
The Houthis stated that the drone strikes were launched in response to incursions by Saudi drones. Riyadh had not yet commented on the Houthi claims as of Monday evening.
Context: Lull in Hostilities After U.S.-Iran Exchanges
Saudi Arabia was repeatedly targeted by Iran and its allies at the height of the West Asia war. However, the latest attacks come during a lull in fighting since Saturday (July 25, 2026), following 13 days of exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran.
Pro-Iran armed groups based in Iraq had not claimed any attacks in Iraq or the region since the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran earlier this month, after an April ceasefire broke down.
Background: Saudi-Houthi Conflict
A Saudi-led military coalition has fought against the Houthi rebels in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government since war broke out in Yemen in 2015.
The latest flare-up between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis marks the first time in years the two sides have traded blows, threatening a 2022 truce that had held despite expiring.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations had previously accused pro-Iran militias in Iraq of launching waves of attacks targeting their territory during the earlier phase of the conflict. In recent days, the Houthis also announced the imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi ports.
Also read: Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi hits on Saudi Arabia
Related: Understanding the Saudi-U.S. nuclear agreement | Explained
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Part of this Story
Iran-Backed Houthis and Iraqi Militias Launch Drone Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities