Houthis claim missile strike on Saudi oil refinery as tensions rise amid Iran war and oil supply threats
Yemen’s Houthis has claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery, raising concerns over the security of a major oil export hub amid ongoing regional hostilities.
The group said on October 27 that its forces also targeted Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence in Riyadh and military aircraft. However, Saudi authorities have not confirmed damage to the refinery or the other stated targets, reporting instead that air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the strike on Ras Tanura, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, triggered significant fires.
He also alleged attacks on two military transport aircraft at Najran Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait.
The extent of any damage remains unclear.
Saudi defences intercept incoming missiles
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles directed towards Riyadh and three others aimed at the Eastern Province.
Authorities also reported intercepting four drones during the day. Falling shrapnel reportedly damaged a building, a construction site and a vehicle in the Saudi capital.
A fire was reported near Ras Tanura’s export terminal early Tuesday, although its cause and potential connection to the claimed attack have not been established.
Maritime security firm Vanguard said uncertainty remained over whether the incident would affect oil-loading operations.
Oil supply risks remain in focus
Ras Tanura is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important energy facilities, with a processing capacity of approximately 550,000 barrels per day. Its location and export infrastructure make it a critical component of the kingdom’s oil industry.
The facility was temporarily shut down as a precaution at the beginning of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia relies on Ras Tanura and Yanbu on the Red Sea as major outlets for its oil exports, and both locations have previously faced Houthi threats.
The latest claims highlight the continuing risks to energy infrastructure as tensions persist between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
