Houthis Claim Drone Strike on Saudi Aramco Refinery in Jazan

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan, on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

The claim came after Saudi authorities reported that a fire had broken out at the facility and was later brought under control. No injuries were reported.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had carried out a “precise” drone attack on the Aramco refinery. He said the strike was launched in response to what the Houthis described as drone incursions by Saudi Arabia into northwestern Yemen.

Saudi Arabia confirms fire at Aramco facility

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said emergency response teams managed to extinguish a fire that broke out early Sunday at one of the facilities associated with the Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan.

The ministry said there were no injuries in the incident. It did not immediately attribute the fire to a Houthi attack.

The Jazan facility has previously been targeted by the Houthis, including in July.

Houthis also claim attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast

The latest claim came as fighting and tensions continued along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Two military sources linked to Yemen’s internationally recognised government said the Houthis launched missiles and drones towards Mokha, a government-controlled port city.

Residents reported hearing multiple explosions in the area, while one local resident said six blasts were heard near the port. A government military source said air defence systems had responded to the attack.

Rising threat to Saudi energy infrastructure

The Houthis have recently stepped up their threats against Saudi interests. In July, the group announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and claimed attacks against Saudi-linked tankers operating in the Red Sea.

The group controls large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and territory bordering Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea provinces.

The latest developments add another layer to growing regional tensions, with attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure occurring alongside the wider confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The situation has also raised concerns over energy supplies and maritime security, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the region.

Saudi authorities have so far reported no casualties from the Jazan refinery fire, while details regarding the alleged drone strike and any damage to the facility remain unclear.