Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Oil Refinery
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Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for an attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil refining facility located in the capital, Riyadh.
According to media reports, the Houthis used ballistic missiles and drones in Saturday’s attack.
The Houthi rebels stated the attack was in retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s assaults on Yemen’s capital Sana’a and other areas.
An eyewitness told the news agency Reuters that smoke and flames were visible near the Aramco refinery in Riyadh on Saturday morning.
Response Still Pending
Saudi officials have yet to confirm the attack on the Aramco oil refinery.
Aramco has not issued any statement regarding the incident. The company, owned by the Saudi government, is one of the world’s largest energy and petrochemical firms.
Earlier in the second week of September, following a drone attack launched from Iraqi territory, Saudi Arabia closed a major oil pipeline.
The roughly 1,200-kilometer long pipeline has facilitated the supply of oil without traversing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Attacks on Houthis in Yemen
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
The Yemeni government military has stated it is targeting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the capital Sana’a and the stronghold of Saada.
A military spokesperson said the main locations are targeted. Previously, Houthi-operated Al Masirah TV reported repeated Saudi airstrikes on the capital.
Since the war with Iran began, the Houthis have targeted Saudi oil refineries and vessels while enforcing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis also control strategic points along the Red Sea coast.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have increased attacks on Saudi Arabia since July this year.
The Houthis continue a civil war against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which holds international recognition.
According to the United Nations, the ongoing conflict has displaced thousands of people in the region.
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