Houthis Claim Missile and Drone Strikes on Saudi Aramco Facilities in Jizan and Yanbu

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for launching coordinated missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in the Saudi cities of Jizan and Yanbu, marking a significant escalation in tensions across the Middle East.

The announcement was made by the group’s military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, who said the attacks were carried out in retaliation for recent Saudi military operations targeting the Yemeni port city of Hodeida.

According to Saree, the Houthis launched two separate military operations against what he described as sensitive Aramco facilities. He claimed the first operation targeted installations in Jizan using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, while the second strike focused on facilities in Yanbu, involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The Houthi spokesperson asserted that both operations successfully hit their intended targets, although Saudi authorities had not officially confirmed the attacks at the time of reporting.

However, videos circulating online appeared to show thick black smoke rising from the vicinity of an Aramco refinery in Jizan. The authenticity and extent of the reported damage have not yet been independently verified.

Earlier, Saudi authorities issued precautionary warnings to residents in Jizan and Yanbu after the Houthis threatened retaliation against the kingdom following military actions carried out earlier this week.

The latest strikes come amid growing instability in the Middle East, where regional tensions have intensified following the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran. Security analysts have warned that continued attacks on critical energy infrastructure and maritime routes could further increase the risk of a broader regional conflict.

The Houthis have intensified operations in recent days, including announcing a maritime blockade and carrying out attacks on vessels linked to Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. These developments have heightened concerns over the security of major international shipping lanes and global energy supplies.

The attacks have also contributed to renewed volatility in the oil market. Following Houthi attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea earlier this week, Brent crude oil prices climbed to approximately $101 per barrel in futures trading as investors reacted to fears of further disruptions to global oil exports.

The growing uncertainty has been compounded by the effective disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Responding to the deteriorating security situation, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would hold Iran accountable for any future Houthi attacks on commercial shipping or regional interests. He accused Tehran of supporting the Yemeni group and cautioned that any further aggression could trigger a significant military response against both Iran and the Houthis.

The latest exchange of hostilities underscores the increasing complexity of the Middle East conflict, with attacks on energy infrastructure, shipping routes, and strategic facilities raising concerns about global oil supplies, international trade, and regional stability. As diplomatic efforts continue, governments and markets around the world are closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation.