Houthi Militants Launch Surprise Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities

The Iran-backed Houthi militants launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities at the Red Sea ports of Jizan and Yanbu, targeting Aramco-owned refineries. A video verified by Reuters showed a large plume of smoke rising from the direction of the Aramco refinery in Jizan.

Two Asia-based trading sources confirmed possible damage to fuel and oil storage facilities in Jizan, while in Yanbu, two ballistic missiles targeting oil installations were intercepted by a U.S.-made Patriot air defense system operated by the Greek military under an agreement with Riyadh.

The attacks reignited Yemen's civil war, which had been largely paused since 2022. The Saudi-led coalition vowed to continue taking steps to protect shipping and Saudi interests, responding 'uncompromisingly' if Houthi attacks continued.