Iraq Tightens Security Amid Reports of Planned Iran-Backed Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iraq has begun implementing a security plan to prevent any attacks from its territory on neighboring countries, military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan said on Thursday, following reports that Iran-backed armed groups were preparing strikes against Saudi Arabia.

“We will not allow any attack from inside Iraq targeting any neighboring country,” Al-Numan told Dijlah TV. His remarks came after a senior Saudi official told Reuters that Iraqi militias coordinating with Yemen's Houthis were preparing imminent attacks under the guidance of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Separately, CNN reported that Saudi Arabia has heightened security measures over intelligence suggesting possible coordinated attacks on energy facilities, ports and airports. Citing a Saudi official, the report said intelligence shared by Saudi Arabia, the United States and regional partners indicated the attacks could occur “in the very near future.” The official said authorities had detected meetings involving Iraqi militia members, Houthi fighters and personnel from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, along with movements of drones and missiles, adding that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to respond while continuing efforts to reduce regional tensions.