Saudi Aramco Tower Damaged in Riyadh Amid Houthi Missile Attack, Air Defences Intercept Projectiles
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
An administrative building belonging to Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco in Riyadh sustained damage on Sunday after an attempted attack, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels intensified missile strikes against the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry confirmed that falling shrapnel damaged the building, but said there were no casualties. The incident occurred amid reports of explosions in the capital and heightened security alerts.
A Reuters witness reported shattered windows across several floors of the Aramco Tower in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Saudi Air Defences Intercept Missiles Targeting Riyadh
The Saudi-led military coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed two cruise missiles targeting Riyadh and the kingdom’s southern region.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki also confirmed that two ballistic missiles aimed at the Saudi capital had been intercepted.
Earlier on Sunday, Saudi Civil Defence issued warnings of potential danger in Riyadh and the southern province of Najran. Authorities subsequently lifted the alerts after the threat had passed.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said the authorities had begun responding to the incident and were taking necessary measures.
Witnesses Report Damage to Aramco Tower
Multiple witnesses told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District had been targeted and that the Aramco Tower sustained damage.
Witnesses reported shattered glass and visible damage to the building’s exterior facade across several floors.
The financial district houses major commercial establishments, residential facilities and a metro station, making it an important business and transport hub in the Saudi capital.
Houthi Attacks Escalate Amid Wider Middle East Conflict
The latest incident comes as the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi airports, energy installations and other infrastructure.
The escalation follows the collapse of a 2022 truce that had helped contain fighting in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has since exchanged attacks with the Houthis, who have expanded their operations against targets across the kingdom.
The renewed hostilities are unfolding amid the wider US-Israeli war against Iran, which has heightened tensions across the Middle East and increased concerns over regional security and energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia Reports Multiple Missile and Drone Interceptions
The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted at least 15 ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting different parts of the kingdom during November.
Recent interception reports have included attacks targeting Riyadh, Najran, the Eastern Province, Makkah and Madinah regions.
The continuing attacks have also disrupted civilian aviation, with several Saudi airports facing operational restrictions and international airlines extending flight suspensions.
The latest damage to the Aramco building has renewed concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and its exposure to the expanding regional conflict.
