JEDDAH/AL HUDAYDAH – A new flashpoint emerged in Middle East as Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim to have targeted Saudi Aramco oil facilities, escalating tensions after series of clashes in the Red Sea.
As missiles were reportedly launched toward Saudi energy sites, air defence systems moved to intercept the threat, raising fresh concerns over regional security and global oil markets.
Tensions in region surged after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed to have carried out attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in the Saudi cities of Jizan and Yanbu, while Saudi air defence systems reportedly intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Yemen.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, in a statement issued on Saturday, claimed that the group conducted “successful operations” targeting Saudi Aramco installations in Jizan and Yanbu. Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official response to the claims.
Yemen bombed ARAMCO
Few hours ago, Yemen’s AnsarAllah struck the ARAMCO refinery in Jazan, Saudi Arabia in retaliation for their attacks against Al Hodeidah port.
Sirens were also additionally activated at Yanbu where the east-west pipeline goes through but there’s no visuals… pic.twitter.com/TNjtNN1XGd
— Arya Yadegaar (@AryJeayBackup) July 25, 2026
The alleged attacks come amid sharp escalation in tensions following the Houthis’ announcement of what they described as a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and their claims of targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
In response, Saudi-led coalition reportedly carried out airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen’s strategic port city of Al Hudaydah and a nearby island, prompting the Houthis to threaten retaliatory action.
Saudi Civil Defence earlier announced that a potential threat in Yanbu province had been neutralised, without providing further details. Patriot system, deployed under a 2021 agreement between Greece and Saudi Arabia, is operated by Greek military personnel and is designed to protect key Saudi energy infrastructure. This interception marked second reported use of the system by Greek personnel to counter missile threats.
The latest developments raised concerns over possible disruption to global energy markets, as Saudi Aramco facilities remain among the world’s most strategically important oil assets. Previous attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure have caused temporary disruptions to production and triggered volatility in crude oil markets.
Regional observers are closely monitoring Riyadh’s response, as any further military action could widen the conflict and increase risks to shipping routes in the Red Sea and wider Middle East.
Saudi Arabia, Yemen’s Houthis exchange strikes as Middle East conflict expanded
