Missile Attack on Aramco Raises Security Concerns in Saudi Arabia

Missile attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels have heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia. A ballistic missile reportedly targeted the headquarters of oil giant Aramco in Dhahran, while falling missile debris in the capital, Riyadh, injured four people, including two women, a man and a child. Around 15 homes were reportedly damaged in the incident. Saudi defence forces have been attempting to intercept missiles and drones launched by the Houthis, with debris from intercepted projectiles reportedly causing damage in residential areas. The reported attack on Aramco has drawn particular attention because the company is one of the world’s largest oil producers and plays a major role in global energy supplies. The extent of the impact on its operations remains unclear.

Separately, Saudi-led coalition forces reportedly struck the Al-Sabaha fuel facility on the outskirts of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The coalition alleged that the Houthis used the facility to support attacks on Saudi airports and fuel installations. The site is said to have a storage capacity of approximately 58,000 tonnes of fuel. The Houthis reported that two civilians were killed and two others injured in the strike. The exchange of attacks has raised concerns about a further escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. With oil infrastructure and fuel storage facilities reportedly coming under attack, the developments have also heightened concerns over regional security and the stability of energy supplies.