Houthi missiles target military base in Saudi Arabia as Iraq probes drone attack on oil pipeline

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile and drone attack on a Saudi military base on Sunday. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the operation targeted the Sharurah base in southern Saudi Arabia, specifically hitting weapons depots and command centers. Saree warned of further strikes deeper within Saudi territory if military operations against Yemen continue.

The attack occurred amid intensified fighting between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government. The Yemeni military reported conducting three airstrikes against Houthi positions and barracks in the Taiz region on Sunday. Government-affiliated media, September Net, reported that these raids resulted in the deaths of several Houthi fighters. Recent days have seen territorial shifts, with the Houthis reporting gains in western Yemen, while government forces have reported advances in the northern al-Jawf province.

Separately, Iraqi authorities are investigating a drone attack that targeted the Saudi East-West oil pipeline on Thursday. The pipeline, which transports oil to the Saudi western coast, was shut down as a precautionary measure following the strikes in the Riyadh and Medina regions.

According to Saudi authorities, the drones were launched from the Maysan province in southeastern Iraq, near the Iranian border. Reports indicate the launch site was located in the al-Tayeb district, east of Amara. Analysts noted that the distance of the targets—approximately 1,100 kilometers from Medina and 800 kilometers from Riyadh—suggests the use of long-range, advanced drone technology.

Iraqi security forces reported that they have located and confiscated a drone-launching platform allegedly used in the attack. Lieutenant General Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, stated that forensic and technical teams are currently analyzing the equipment to identify those responsible. Maan added that the Iraqi commander-in-chief has approved a request from Iran to participate in the investigation.

Baghdad is reportedly in direct communication with Saudi officials to share intelligence. Lieutenant General Maan emphasized that Iraq is committed to preventing its territory from being used as a launching pad for attacks against other nations. In response to the security situation, Iraqi authorities temporarily closed several border crossings with Iran for inspections, though some have since partially reopened for humanitarian traffic.

Article and image source: middleeasteye.net