An administrative facility owned by Saudi Aramco, the state-run oil company of Saudi Arabia, located in Dhahran, eastern city, experienced an attack resulting in a minor fire, according to a statement from the Energy Ministry on Wednesday. The clash between Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi Arabia has escalated in recent days, prompting the ministry to confirm that there were no casualties in the incident and that appropriate action was taken by authorities upon discovering the situation.
Earlier, a source within the company informed Reuters that a ballistic missile had targeted the Aramco headquarters complex in Dhahran. The source revealed that a section of the office tower within the complex sustained damage to its top three floors due to the impact of the missile, leading to a fire breakout as reported by the source and two other individuals familiar with the incident. This complex serves as a crucial operations hub for Aramco, overseeing a vast array of onshore and offshore oil infrastructure, including rigs, pipelines, refineries, and export terminals.
In response to Saudi Arabia’s support of government forces in Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict, the Houthis have been launching ballistic missiles and drones at strategic Saudi installations. Recent attacks on Riyadh’s international airport have resulted in casualties and significant disruptions to air travel. The deadly strike on Riyadh airport over the weekend marked the most severe missile attack within Saudi Arabia in the past ten years, resulting in flight cancellations across the country.
Prior to the assault on Saudi Aramco’s facilities, reports indicated loud explosions near the complex, suggesting further potential threats. In Dhahran, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a missile, with remnants falling in a residential vicinity, causing minimal damage. Additionally, security forces successfully neutralized drones and missiles in Riyadh and the southern region of the country.
Following the escalating tensions, the Houthis have issued warnings to oil workers in Saudi Arabia to steer clear of possible target locations. The group has retaliated against Saudi-led strikes in Yemen, with recent attacks targeting key infrastructure, including the Aramco headquarters and an oil refinery in Riyadh.
In response to the repeated assaults by the Houthis, Saudi Arabia has recommenced its military campaign in Yemen to bolster the internationally recognized government and counter the Houthi advancements towards critical maritime routes. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has become a focal point due to its significance for energy shipments, particularly amid regional conflicts impacting global trade routes.
Despite efforts to garner international support, Saudi Arabia has faced challenges in enlisting direct involvement from its key ally, the United States, in the conflict against the Houthis. The Yemen conflict continues to be intertwined with broader regional tensions, stemming from the US-Iran confrontation that escalated earlier in the year. Iran has expressed willingness to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, suggesting a diplomatic avenue to address the escalating crisis.
