Missile Attack on Aramco: Tensions Peak in Saudi Arabia
A ballistic missile has targeted the administrative complex of **Saudi Aramco**, the world's largest oil company, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Officials reported no casualties, but the top three floors of the building were damaged and a fire broke out. This attack is the latest in a series of ongoing strikes on Saudi targets by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels has reached a dangerous turn. On Tuesday night, a ballistic missile targeted the administrative complex of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran. Saudi state news agency SPA, citing an official from the Ministry of Energy, reported on Wednesday that a fire broke out in the building after the attack, but there were no casualties.
According to Reuters, a source close to the company said the missile attack damaged the top three floors of the office building. The source and two other people familiar with the matter said a fire broke out in the building. However, reports have not independently confirmed responsibility for the attack.
This Aramco complex serves as a major operational center for the company. Aramco, one of the world's largest oil companies, is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's economy. Its operational network includes oil wells, pipelines, refineries, and export terminals.
The Saudi-led coalition claimed that fragments of a intercepted missile fell on a residential area in Dhahran. However, no details of the damage were provided. Officials also stated that they intercepted and destroyed missiles and drones in Riyadh and the southern part of the country.
Earlier on Tuesday, a cabinet meeting chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned the Houthis of serious consequences for their repeated attacks.
Since last week, Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks on major Saudi targets, including the airport in the capital, Riyadh. On Saturday, a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh airport killed 13 people. This is considered the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in the past decade.
Due to the continuous attacks, flight services within Saudi Arabia have also been disrupted. This development comes as Saudi Arabia is hosting a major energy conference.
Before the attack on Dhahran, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree had warned of a 'serious and painful' response to the Saudi-led coalition's attack on Yemen's capital, Sanaa. According to him, potential targets included Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran and an oil refinery in Riyadh. The Houthis also warned oil field workers in Saudi Arabia to stay away from places they considered potential targets. –Agency