Iran-linked Houthi rebels and Iraqi militias coordinated Saudi attack from Iraq

A recent attack targeting Saudi Arabia, launched from Iraqi territory, was a joint operation between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Iraqi militias, according to regional officials. The attack, which targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia's eastern region, was reportedly overseen by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), signaling a deepening coordination among Iran-aligned militant factions.

This collaboration highlights the growing interconnectedness of these groups in the wake of the Gaza war. Despite facing years of strikes from the US and Israel against groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, these factions have demonstrated resilience by targeting US allies in the region. Saudi Arabia, which officially attributed previous attacks to Iraqi-based Iranian militias, conducted a joint retaliatory strike with the US forces, marking the first such operation since the Iran-Saudi Arabia détente.

The incident underscores Iraq's emerging role as a hub for Iran-aligned militant coordination, especially after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah. While the Iraqi government maintains it is investigating the claims, its capacity to control these militias remains questionable. The border region between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, stretching over 800 kilometers, is particularly difficult to police, making it an ideal launchpad for attacks.

This evolving network of militant cooperation, extending beyond mere Iranian coordination to direct training and joint operations, is a significant development. It suggests a more integrated "axis of resistance" capable of launching complex attacks. The Houthis have maintained a presence in Iraq, with offices and representatives, and have publicly announced a "joint operations room" with Iraqi militants. The presence of Houthi slogans on posters in Baghdad further illustrates this connection.

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These armed groups have reached the stage of direct training and coordination among members of the 'axis of resistance,' not just coordinating with Iran.