Saudi Arabia Warns of Imminent Coordinated Attacks as Regional Tensions Escalate

Saudi Arabia expects imminent coordinated attacks from Yemen's Houthi forces and Iraqi militias under the supervision of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A senior Saudi official stated that intelligence from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other regional countries suggests targets may include energy infrastructure, ports, and airports. This warning follows a series of Houthi strikes on Thursday and Friday. In Yemen, Houthi missile attacks on the provinces of Hadramout and Marib killed at least 30 government soldiers. Additionally, a Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia wounded 11 civilians, including a child. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for these actions, stating they are targeting Saudi allies and proxies in Yemen. In response to the escalating threats, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are expected to sign a joint defence agreement in Mecca. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is forming a naval coalition with 14 countries and organizations, including Egypt and Turkey, to restore order in the Red Sea where Houthi blockades have disrupted shipping. While a center-leaning source notes that diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran may be moving in the right direction, center-left sources frame the current violence as a major escalation reignited by a war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.