In a coordinated series of attacks early Saturday morning, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a barrage of missiles and drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia’s key oil processing complexes in the Eastern Province. The assaults ignited multiple fires at the Ras Tanura and Khurais facilities, temporarily halting production at both sites.
Saudi emergency services, aided by U.S. and British naval assets stationed in the Gulf, managed to contain the blazes within hours, but the damage is expected to disrupt output for several days. Preliminary reports confirm that 73 workers have been injured, including 12 with serious burns; all victims are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
The attacks come amid heightened regional tensions following the Houthi group’s recent claims of retaliation for perceived Israeli aggression in Gaza. Saudi Arabia’s Oil Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, condemned the strikes as “acts of terrorism” and vowed a swift response, while the Kingdom’s military announced heightened air‑defense readiness across the Gulf.
Global oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude futures rising 2.1% to $86.70 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbing 1.9% to $83.40. Analysts warn that continued Houthi aggression could further strain supply, prompting additional volatility in an already tight market.
The United Nations has called for an emergency session of the Security Council to address the escalation, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize regional stability and global energy security.