An intelligence investigation has identified recurring patterns of Russian military satellite activity over areas inside Saudi Arabia that have previously been targeted by Houthi missile and drone attacks, raising questions about possible intelligence cooperation between Russia, Iran and the Houthis.
The investigation, conducted by Aurora GeoSignal Intelligence and reported by the Associated Press, examined 40 missile and drone attacks between July 1 and October 19, 2026.
According to the findings, Russian satellite activity was detected over several areas in Saudi Arabia that had previously come under Houthi attacks. These satellite systems can collect different types of intelligence on infrastructure, military installations and ground movements, potentially providing a more detailed picture of possible targets.
One of the examples highlighted in the investigation was a September attack on three pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline. The facilities, identified as SP8, SP9 and SP11, form part of an energy network that transports oil from eastern Saudi Arabia to export terminals on the Red Sea.
However, analysts caution that detecting Russian satellite activity over areas subsequently targeted does not, by itself, prove that Moscow directly supplied the Houthis with targeting intelligence.
The investigation also notes the growing importance of combining missiles, drones and intelligence information in the group’s ability to carry out attacks.
The findings come amid concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and strategic maritime routes across the region.
Russia has not officially responded to the investigation, while questions remain over the nature of intelligence cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and whether the Houthis are benefiting from it.
