Houthis Claim Aramco Attack Amid Escalating Tensions in Middle East
The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have attacked an Aramco oil facility in southwestern Saudi Arabia, further escalating tensions in the region. According to Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, the attack was in response to Saudi drones breaching Yemen's airspace over the provinces of Hajjah and Saada.
The Saudi Energy Ministry reported a fire at an Aramco refinery without casualties, but did not specify its cause. The attack is part of a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and its shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis also attacked a crucial port on the Red Sea, specifically Mocha port, which is one of the main ports under Yemen's internationally recognized government. The attack was met with a response from Fayed al-Noman, assistant undersecretary of the information ministry, who stated that the Houthis fired missiles and drones at the port.
In related news, Iran has made new demands regarding the restart of negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations cannot resume until certain conditions are met, including an end to US threats against Iran and the withdrawal of US military from the region.