Saudi Arabia intercepts drones from Iraq as Houthis claim Saudi oil attacks

Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said it intercepted several drones launched by pro-Iran groups in Iraq on Monday, while Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen separately claimed attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. The incidents come during a lull in fighting since Saturday, following 13 days of exchanges of fire between the US and Iran.

What did Saudi Arabia say about the drone attacks?

Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said it intercepted drones fired from Iraqi territory by Iranian-backed militias, targeting petroleum facilities in the country's east and in Riyadh. The kingdom demanded Iraq prevent its territory from being used to launch further attacks against Saudi targets.

Who is behind the attacks from Iraq?

The Saudi ministry said the drones were carried out by Iranian-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. It called on Iraq to take all necessary measures to stop its territory being used as a launch point for such attacks.

Pro-Iran armed groups based in Iraq have not claimed any attacks in the region since hostilities between the US and Iran resumed earlier this month, after an April ceasefire broke down. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states had previously accused these militias of launching waves of attacks during the earlier phase of the conflict.

What have the Houthis claimed?

The Houthis said they launched drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure on Monday, in response to what they described as incursions by Saudi drones. Riyadh had not commented on the claim at the time of reporting.

Riyadh and the Houthis have traded strikes in recent days, with the group also announcing a naval blockade on Saudi ports. A Saudi-led coalition had fought the Houthis in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government since war broke out in 2015.

Why does this attack matter for the Saudi-Houthi truce?

The latest exchange marks the first clash between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in years. It threatens to unravel a 2022 truce that has held despite formally expiring, raising questions about renewed conflict along the Saudi-Yemen border.