Houthi Rebels Claim Drone Attack on Saudi Oil Refinery

Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a drone attack on an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port city of Jizan.

The attack, which reportedly sparked a fire at the refinery, comes as tensions escalate in the region. Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry confirmed the fire, saying it had been brought under control, but did not provide further details on the cause.

According to the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, the attack was a response to a Saudi drone strike in northwestern Yemen. Saree said the refinery was targeted using drones.

This is not the first time the refinery has been targeted by the Houthi rebels. A similar attack was reported in July.

Escalating Tensions

Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s civil war for over a decade, supporting the internationally recognized government. Despite a relative calm following a ceasefire in 2022, the conflict has seen a resurgence of violence in recent times.

The Houthi rebels control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. The group has also targeted ships in the Red Sea and Saudi oil infrastructure.

The increased risk to shipping in the Red Sea and Saudi oil facilities comes amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the US continue over security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.