Saudi Arabia Warns of Possible Attacks by Iraqi Armed Groups
Saudi officials say the kingdom will respond to any attack on its territory or strategic facilities as intelligence sources warn of possible strikes in the coming hours.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Intelligence sources have warned that Iraqi armed groups are planning to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia in the coming hours, amid heightened tensions between the two sides in recent days.
Media reports said detailed intelligence had been obtained regarding plans by Iraqi militias to target Saudi Arabia.
The warning comes as tensions have escalated in recent days. Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, said the kingdom’s air defense forces intercepted several drones on July 27 and 28 that were targeting oil facilities in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Al-Maliki said the attacks originated from Iraqi territory and that Iran-aligned militias were responsible. He said: “Saudi Arabia has the legitimate right to defend its territory and sovereignty, and we will respond to these attacks at the appropriate time and place.”
Saudi officials said that although the kingdom does not seek an escalation of tensions, it will not remain silent in the face of any attack against its strategic facilities and will respond firmly.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, Iraq’s Security Media Cell said Iraqi officials met with a high-level Saudi security and military delegation to discuss strengthening border security and expanding intelligence cooperation.
The director of the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the head of the National Intelligence Service, and directors of Iraqi security and intelligence agencies received the Saudi delegation in Baghdad.
The meeting focused on strengthening measures to control the shared border and intensifying the exchange of intelligence information in a way that would enhance bilateral cooperation.
Both sides also stressed their shared interest in consolidating and developing security mechanisms in a manner that would positively contribute to the security and stability of both countries.
Earlier, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, a high-level Iraqi security delegation visited Riyadh and held several meetings with senior Saudi officials, emphasizing the importance of strengthening security coordination.
The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces said in a statement that both sides stressed the importance of continuing cooperation in a way that serves the shared interests of both countries and contributes to regional stability.
For his part, the Saudi defense minister reaffirmed that his country would always stand with Iraq in supporting its security, stability, development, and growth.
Early Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out a series of coordinated airstrikes against several logistical positions and weapons depots belonging to armed groups within Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces. The strikes targeted Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, and Kirkuk provinces.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq later vowed retaliation and announced plans to attack Saudi Arabia and US interests in the region. However, following a request from Hadi al-Amiri, secretary-general of the Badr Organization, the response to the strikes was postponed.
The latest warning comes as Iraq and Saudi Arabia continue efforts to strengthen security coordination, particularly regarding border security and intelligence cooperation.