Russian satellites help Iran-backed groups strike Saudi Arabia, AP reports
Russian reconnaissance satellites have been gathering intelligence on Saudi oil and military facilities ahead of strikes by Iran-backed militias, according to an Associated Press investigation published on October 27.
A Geneva-based private intelligence firm, AURORAH Geosignal Intelligence, examined 40 missile and drone attacks carried out by Houthi rebels in Yemen and militias in Iraq between July 1 and October 19.
In every case, the firm identified Russian government and military satellites operating above the targeted areas in the days before and after the attacks.
"What we found is a 100% match," AURORAH founder Nawaf Obaid told AP.
On September 10, drones launched from Iraq struck three pumping stations along Saudi Arabia's 1,200-kilometer (746-mile) East-West Pipeline, temporarily disrupting oil flows. The pipeline provides a crucial alternative to shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
AURORAH identified 11 Russian Cosmos 2600-series satellites monitoring the targeted sections of the pipeline beginning in July, with reconnaissance activity increasing ahead of the attack.
A week later, Houthi projectiles struck King Fahd Air Base in Taif, damaging an Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
The firm recorded a 50% increase in Russian satellite activity around the targets during the 72-hour periods before and after the two attacks, compared with July.
AURORAH said it had not intercepted actual intelligence transmissions. However, Saudi officials, a senior Houthi figure and intelligence analysts told AP that Russian intelligence had been used to support attacks by Iran-backed groups.
According to the investigation, Iranian advisers analyzed Russian satellite intelligence and passed targeting information to allied militias. Chinese technology also reportedly supported their operations.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Rayed Krimly said Iran and the Houthis receive intelligence from "elements in Russia and China, even commercial elements sometimes."
Russian officials did not immediately comment on the allegations.
The findings raise further questions about Russia's military cooperation with Iran and its allies, extending beyond weapons and drone technology to intelligence support for attacks on strategic infrastructure.