An administrative facility owned by Saudi Aramco, the state-run oil company of Saudi Arabia, was targeted in an attack in Dhahran, the Energy Ministry confirmed on Wednesday. The conflict between Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been escalating, leading to a minor fire at the facility. Responding to the incident on Tuesday, authorities swiftly took necessary actions, resulting in no casualties.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the headquarters building of Aramco in Dhahran was ablaze. This complex serves as a crucial operations hub for Aramco, overseeing a wide array of oil rigs, pipelines, refineries, and export terminals.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at various Saudi Aramco locations in Dhahran, as well as at King Khalid International Airport and an Aramco refinery in Riyadh. This series of attacks is seen as retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s support of government forces in Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, the Houthis issued a warning to international shipping companies, civilians, and workers to evacuate airports and oil facilities, declaring them as legitimate military targets.
The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on Wednesday, with reports of explosions heard in the capital. Four individuals sustained injuries in Riyadh due to falling debris from intercepted Houthi missiles, causing limited damage to nearby homes.
The conflict in Yemen, stemming from broader regional tensions, has severely impacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil. The strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial for global energy supplies, is a focal point given recent events in the region.
Despite Saudi Arabia seeking support from allies to counter the Houthis, the U.S., a key ally, has refrained from direct involvement in the conflict. Saudi Arabia entered the Yemeni civil war in 2015 to support the government against the Houthi rebels, leading to significant humanitarian challenges in the region.