Houthi Strike Shuts Down Saudi Jazan Refinery, Raising Oil Market Fears

Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure has been hit hard by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility for a recent missile and drone strike on the Jazan refinery. The attack forced Saudi Aramco to shut down operations at the strategic facility, which has a daily capacity of 400,000 barrels. According to Reuters, the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) complex and an oil storage area were damaged in the strike.

The Houthi rebels have been waging a campaign against Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure for months, raising fears of a wider regional conflict and disruptions to global energy supplies. The latest attack comes just days after the Houthis targeted Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, sparking concerns about renewed volatility in oil markets.

The Jazan refinery is one of the most critical facilities in Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure, and its shutdown is likely to have significant implications for global oil prices. The refinery was previously attacked by the Houthis in 2019, but the latest strike appears to be more severe, with reports suggesting that key refining facilities were damaged.