World
Russian Satellite Reconnaissance Linked to Houthi Attacks on Saudi Infrastructure
AURORAH GeoSignal Intelligence, a Geneva‑based private firm, has found that Russian government and military satellites were used to observe Houthi‑targeted sites in Saudi Arabia before and after missile and drone attacks between July 1 and October 19. The investigation examined 40 Houthi attacks and identified Russian satellites such as Bars‑M, Persona, Lotos‑S1, Pion‑NKS, Kondor‑FKA, and the EKS/Tundra infrared constellation. Founder Nawaf Obaid told Al Jazeera that the satellites’ combined optical, radar and electronic intelligence capabilities were integrated into an Iranian‑led intelligence architecture that supported Houthi operations.
The most recent example cited was the September strike on Saudi Arabia’s East‑West Petroline, where three pumping stations—PS8 at Afif, PS9 at Al‑Dhekra and PS11 at Al‑Mesba’ah—were hit. Obaid said the selection of targets reflected an understanding of the pipeline’s engineering vulnerabilities.
Brussels‑based analyst Elijah Magnier cautioned that the findings do not prove who accessed the satellite data or whether Russia deliberately shared it. He outlined four scenarios: direct Russian‑Iran cooperation, commercial acquisition of Russian imagery, an intermediary supplying the intelligence, or no evidence of a direct link.
Saudi officials have confirmed that the Houthis receive intelligence from Russia and China. Saudi Foreign Ministry deputy minister Rayed Krimly said the country discusses these matters regularly with both nations.
The Houthis have attacked numerous Saudi sites since the conflict escalated in the summer, including the Ras Tanura oil refinery, an Aramco facility in Abqaiq, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, the Rabigh oil refinery and a military headquarters in Najran. Saudi reports indicate that the Riyadh airport strike killed at least 12 people and injured 300, while the Dammam airport attack killed two and wounded eight.
The Houthis gained significant military capability after seizing Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and capturing state arsenals. They have received training and weapons from Iran—ballistic and cruise missiles, and one‑way attack drones—though Iran denies supplying them. Hezbollah and other Iranian allies have also provided training.
Saudi‑led coalition forces have responded with air strikes and interceptions. On Friday, the coalition destroyed a Houthi drone aimed at Mecca and a missile targeting western Saudi Arabia. Earlier, it intercepted ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh and the eastern region. The coalition also destroyed missile launchers and tunnels used by the Houthis.
Analysts argue that Saudi air power alone cannot defeat the Houthis, who have adapted to guerrilla tactics and benefit from external support. The conflict has become a broader regional security test involving Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other actors.