Houthis Claim Strikes on Saudi Aramco Facility and Air Base

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said Wednesday that the group had carried out two operations against Saudi Arabia, targeting a Saudi Aramco facility in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu and an air base in Khamis Mushait.

Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and military facilities have come under increased threat as Houthi attacks escalate across the region. [Photo: CNTXT]

Saree said the attacks were carried out in response to what he described as an escalation by Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.

He claimed Saudi forces had conducted more than 450 airstrikes in Yemen during the previous week. Saree said the attack on the Yanbu facility was “accurate and direct” and caused fires and extensive damage.

He also claimed that ballistic missiles were used against Khamis Mushait air base.

Saudi Arabia has not independently confirmed the extent of the damage claimed by the Houthis.

Reuters reported that the Houthis had claimed attacks on both Yanbu and Khamis Mushait as Saudi forces carried out airstrikes against Houthi-held areas of Yemen.

Yanbu is a major Red Sea port and an important part of Saudi Arabia’s oil-export infrastructure.

Recent attacks have added pressure to Saudi energy logistics as the kingdom seeks alternatives to routes affected by the conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters reported that Saudi crude loadings through some Red Sea routes had been affected by the conflict.

Saudi authorities also reported intercepting a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. Saudi officials described the incident as an attempted attack, while the Houthis denied targeting Mecca or other religious sites.

Saudi Arabia and other regional governments condemned the incident. The Mecca episode followed a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and broader security alerts across the kingdom.

The renewed fighting has heightened concerns about Saudi oil infrastructure, Red Sea shipping and the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.