Riyadh: Saudi Arabia announced that it intercepted a series of drones launched by pro-Iran groups based in Iraq, while the Houthi rebels from Yemen claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi oil infrastructure.

According to France24.com, these incidents occurred during a period of reduced hostilities following a 13-day exchange of fire between the United States and Iran. The Saudi defence ministry reported that the drones, labeled as "terrorist attempts," originated from Iraqi territory and were executed by Iranian-backed militias. These drones aimed at petroleum facilities located in the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia and the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has urged Iraq to take necessary actions to prevent the use of its land as a launchpad for such attacks, as conveyed in a statement by an official Saudi broadcaster. Although pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq have not claimed responsibility for any attacks since hostilities resumed between the US and Iran earlier this month, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have previously accused these militias of targeting their territories during earlier conflicts.

In parallel, exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels have intensified, with the Houthis declaring a naval blockade on Saudi ports. The Houthis also claimed to have launched drone strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure in retaliation for Saudi drone incursions. As of now, Riyadh has not responded to these assertions by the Houthis.

The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in a military campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen since the conflict erupted in 2015, supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government. This recent escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis threatens a truce established in 2022, marking a significant development as it is the first time in years that both sides have engaged in such exchanges.