Yemen’s Houthis, aligned with Iran, claimed they launched a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery, the largest in the country. They also reported attacks on Saudi military aircraft and blocked advances by Saudi-backed forces near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, critical for shipping in the Red Sea. These escalating conflicts have disrupted oil supplies and increased the risk of a broader regional war, eight months into the Iran war. The Houthi military spokesperson stated that the missile strike resulted in a fire at the refinery, which has a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attack, although they had earlier shut down operations at Ras Tanura as a precaution during the conflict.
Additionally, the Houthis reported attacking military transport planes at Najran Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait, with no immediate confirmation from Saudi sources. An air raid alert was briefly issued in Riyadh, while the Saudi-led coalition claimed to have intercepted two missiles launched by the Houthis. The fighting has ended a UN-brokered truce, with the Houthis controlling the capital, Sanaa. Meanwhile, Egypt’s parliament has authorized military assistance to Saudi Arabia, should it be requested.
With information from Reuters
