An administrative facility owned by Saudi Aramco, the state-run oil company of Saudi Arabia, located in Dhahran, faced an attack resulting in a minor fire, the Energy Ministry announced on Wednesday amid escalating clashes between Yemen’s Houthis, backed by Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
The ministry confirmed that the incident was addressed late on Tuesday with appropriate actions taken, emphasizing that no casualties were reported. According to a source within the company, a ballistic missile targeted the Aramco headquarters complex in Dhahran, damaging the top three floors of an office tower and causing a fire, as stated by the source and two individuals familiar with the situation.
The complex serves as a crucial operations hub for Aramco, overseeing a vast network of onshore and offshore oil facilities, pipelines, refineries, and export terminals.
In response to the Saudi-backed government forces’ support in Yemen’s rekindled civil war, the Houthis have been launching ballistic missiles and drones at strategic Saudi locations. The recent attack on Riyadh’s international airport, resulting in 13 fatalities, marked the fourth strike on the airport in a week.
Following the deadly airport assault, witnesses reported hearing loud explosions near the Aramco complex in Dhahran. The Saudi-led coalition disclosed intercepting and destroying a missile in Dhahran, with fragments falling in a residential area, causing limited damage.
Additionally, drone and missile interceptions were reported in Riyadh and the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Four individuals sustained injuries in Riyadh due to falling missile fragments, damaging 15 residences. The Houthis had previously warned of a severe response to Saudi-led offensives in Sanaa, citing potential targets such as the Saudi Aramco headquarters in Dhahran and an oil refinery in Riyadh.
The Houthis cautioned oil workers in Saudi Arabia to steer clear of possible target sites. The group accused Saudi Arabia of attacking Sanaa, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to issue warnings to civilians regarding an oil depot near the city.
The Saudi cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterated the kingdom’s stance against the repeated Houthi attacks, leading to the resumption of military operations in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government. This move aimed to counter the Houthis’ recent territorial gains, particularly near the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
As the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensifies, regional dynamics are increasingly influenced by the broader US-Iran tensions. Iran, a longstanding rival of Saudi Arabia, expressed willingness to mediate between the kingdom and the Houthis in an effort to de-escalate the situation.