WSJ: Iraqi militias behind surge of drone attacks on Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities estimate that during the US-Israeli war against Iran, the kingdom was targeted in nearly 1,000 drone attacks, with up to half of them launched from Iraqi territory.

They included strikes on a Saudi refinery in the sensitive Yanbu oil hub on the Red Sea and oil fields in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, Caliber.Az reports citing the Wall Street Journal.

During a five-week escalation, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias launched dozens of explosive drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

Iran itself targeted nearly the whole region, including Israel and US bases.

When the US and Israel first attacked, they struck Iran's missile infrastructure, military sites and leadership in the capital, Tehran, and across the country.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989, was killed during the first wave of attack.

The United States and Israel justify military strikes on Iran by pointing to Iran’s nuclear program.

Both countries view the program as a security threat, especially due to fears it could lead to nuclear weapons development.

However, Iran officially responds that its nuclear program is peaceful and intended only for civilian purposes (such as energy and medical use).

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov