An Associated Press investigation published October 27 reported a pattern of Russian satellite reconnaissance around Saudi infrastructure before missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran-backed groups, including militias in Iraq. The report focused on strikes against Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline and a military air base, where an Italian fighter aircraft was damaged.
A Geneva-based private geospatial intelligence firm, AURORAH Geosignal Intelligence, said it examined 40 attacks against Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and militias in Iraq between July 1 and October 19. Its founder, Nawaf Obaid, told AP the firm observed Russian government and military satellites over relevant areas in every case. AP reported that the firm tracked satellite positions and compared them with ground events.
Evidence and limits
Obaid told AP the satellite pattern indicated that reconnaissance data was being gathered and transferred for Houthi and Iraqi militia targeting. However, he also said the firm had not intercepted an actual transmission of intelligence to Iran or allied groups. The reporting therefore documents a satellite-position pattern and an analyst’s assessment; it does not independently demonstrate a transfer chain or name the Iraqi faction responsible for a particular strike.
AP cited Saudi and other officials who said Iran-aligned groups had benefited from foreign intelligence. Saudi deputy foreign minister Rayed Krimly told reporters that Iran and the Houthis receive intelligence from elements in Russia and China. Russian officials had no immediate comment when asked about the allegations, AP said. The article also described a September 10 drone attack from Iraq on three pumping stations along the pipeline, which disrupted oil flow.
Attribution matters
The investigation did not identify Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba or Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada as responsible for the attacks in its headline findings. “Iraqi militias” is a broad description, not a specific group attribution. The PMF, Iraq’s state umbrella for multiple armed factions, should also not be treated as one unitary actor.
AP’s reporting raises questions about external intelligence support to armed groups while acknowledging a key proof limit: no intercepted transfer was presented. Read the Associated Press investigation for its sources, timeline and caveats.