World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Russian satellites linked to intelligence before attacks on Saudi targets
A private intelligence firm linked Russian satellite activity to attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed groups.
The firm examined 40 missile and drone attacks from July 1 to October 19 and found Russian government and military satellites overhead for days before and after each one.
One attack on September 10 hit three pumping stations on the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline, interrupting oil flows.
A later attack struck King Fahd Air Base in Taif and damaged an Italian fighter jet.
Saudi and Houthi officials say Iran-backed groups have benefited from Russian intelligence, while Chinese capabilities have also been used.
Iranian advisers reportedly analyzed and passed intelligence to the groups, and Saudi Arabia says it raises the issue regularly with Russia and China.
The attacks threaten key oil and military infrastructure, and disruptions to energy supplies have helped push global prices higher.
Russian officials had not commented on the allegations, and the sources do not say what happens next.
A private intelligence firm found Russian government and military satellites over areas in Saudi Arabia before and after 40 attacks by Iranian-backed groups.
The attacks targeted Saudi oil and military infrastructure, including pumping stations on the East-West Pipeline and a military air base.
Three officials and a private intelligence analyst told the Associated Press that Iranian allies had benefited from Russian intelligence and Chinese capabilities.
Saudi official Rayed Krimly said Iran and the Houthis received intelligence from elements in Russia and China.
Russian officials had no immediate comment on the allegations.
- Who
- Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and militias in Iraq carried out the attacks. Russia is alleged to have provided intelligence.
- What
- Russian satellites were observed over areas before and after attacks on Saudi oil and military targets.
- When
- The firm examined attacks between July 1 and October 19. A pipeline attack took place on September 10.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including the East-West Pipeline and King Fahd Air Base in Taif.
- Why
- The intelligence is believed to have helped Iranian allies target Saudi oil and military infrastructure. Russia’s officials had no immediate comment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
AURORAH observed 11 Russian Cosmos 2600 series satellites concentrating on three sections of the pipeline.
Multiple drone strikes from Iraq hit three pumping stations on the East-West Pipeline and interrupted oil flows.
Iranian-backed Houthis fired multiple projectiles at King Fahd Air Base in Taif, damaging hangars and an Italian fighter jet.
AURORAH examined 40 missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and found Russian satellites over the areas before and after each attack.
- Attacks examined
- 40 missile and drone attacks
- Period examined
- July 1 to October 19
- Pipeline length
- 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
- Pipeline attack date
- September 10
- Satellites observed
- 11 Russian Cosmos 2600 series satellites
3 sources
What people are saying
What we found is a 100% match
This is where the militias out of Iraq decided to strike.
elements in Russia and China, even commercial elements sometimes.
We do discuss these matters regularly with China and Russia, and we will continue to do so