Russian satellites help Iran’s allies strike Saudi Arabia, data and officials say

A Geneva-based geospatial intelligence firm says it found a direct link between Russian satellite activity and a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed groups. AURORAH Geosignal Intelligence examined 40 missile and drone strikes carried out by Houthi rebels in Yemen and militias in Iraq between July 1 and Oct. 19. Founder Nawaf Obaid said the firm found a "100% match" between the strikes and the presence of Russian government and military satellites orbiting above the targets for days before and after the attacks.

The findings suggest Russia is helping Iran and its allies target Saudi oil and military infrastructure, strikes that have contributed to higher global energy prices. On Sept. 10, drone strikes from Iraq hit three pumping stations on Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, halting oil flow. Obaid said his firm observed 11 Russian Cosmos 2600 series satellites concentrating on those pipeline sections beginning in July, with flybys increasing before the attack. Days later, another strike damaged an Italian fighter jet at a Saudi military air base.

Three officials, including one from Saudi Arabia and a senior Houthi figure, told The Associated Press that Iranian-backed groups have benefited from Russian and Chinese intelligence capabilities. Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly said Iran and the Houthis receive intelligence from "elements in Russia and China, even commercial elements sometimes." He added that Saudi Arabia discusses these matters regularly with both countries. Russian officials did not immediately comment on the allegations.

U.S. and European officials have previously said Russia shares intelligence with Iran, and the two nations have a longstanding military cooperation arrangement that includes drone technology transfers. According to AP reporting, Iranian advisers in the field analyzed and transferred the satellite intelligence to their allies. While Russia has not directly entered regional wars, the satellite data indicates a deepening role in facilitating precision strikes against Saudi infrastructure.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal