Missile Attack on Saudi Oil Giant Aramco’s Administration Building in Dhahran
News Summary
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- Saudi state media reported a ballistic missile attack on the Saudi Aramco complex in Dhahran on Tuesday night, causing a fire in the building.
- The Saudi-led coalition claimed to have intercepted missiles and drones over Riyadh and southern regions of the country.
- Iran has proposed mediation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels.
October 14, Kathmandu. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen is intensifying.
On Tuesday night, the administrative complex of Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil companies, located in Dhahran, eastern Saudi Arabia, was targeted in a ballistic missile attack.
According to the Saudi state news agency SPA, an official from the Ministry of Energy reported that a fire broke out in the building following the attack. There are no reports of human casualties.
Reuters cited a source associated with the company stating that the missile attack caused damage to the top three floors of the office building. Two other sources also confirmed a fire at the site. However, independent verification of the attacker’s identity has not been established.
The attacked Aramco complex is one of the company’s main operational centers. Saudi Aramco is a crucial pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy, with an extensive network encompassing oil wells, pipelines, processing centers, and export terminals.
Coalition Claims Interception of Missiles and Drones Over Riyadh and Other Regions
The Saudi-led coalition stated that fragments of intercepted missiles fell in residential areas of Dhahran, though no detailed damage report has been released.
Officials said that missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed mid-air over the capital Riyadh and southern parts of the country.
On Tuesday, a cabinet meeting chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued a stern warning to the Houthi rebels that continued attacks would lead to severe consequences.
Reports indicate that in the last week, Houthi rebels have targeted key Saudi installations with missile and drone strikes, including the Riyadh airport.
The ballistic missile attack on Riyadh airport last Saturday resulted in 13 deaths and has been described as the deadliest assault on Saudi Arabia in the past decade. Ongoing attacks have also disrupted the country’s air services.
These attacks coincided with a major energy conference being held in Saudi Arabia.
Houthis Had Previously Issued Warnings of Retaliation
Before the attack on Dhahran, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea warned of “severe and painful” retaliation in response to the Saudi-led coalition’s assault on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a.
He noted that Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran and a refinery in Riyadh were potential targets. The Houthis also cautioned employees working in Saudi oil facilities to stay away from possible target areas.
The missile attack on Aramco’s administration building followed this public warning, though independent confirmation that the Houthis claimed responsibility has not been established.
Attack on Oil Depot in Sana’a
The Houthis accused the Saudi-led coalition of launching an attack on Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the coalition had issued warnings for civilians to keep clear of an oil depot on the outskirts of Sana’a. According to al-Masirah Television, which is under Houthi control, the coalition targeted the Sabah central fuel station operated by Yemen Petroleum Company.
The coalition confirmed attacks on this and other locations, aiming to weaken the Houthis’ capabilities to endanger Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and international maritime routes.
Saudi Arabia is continuing its military campaign and seeking further support from allied countries to counter Houthi missile and drone attacks.
However, the United States, Saudi Arabia’s key ally and long-time security partner, has yet to approve direct participation in Saudi Arabia’s military efforts against the Houthis.
Iran Proposes Mediation
Meanwhile, Iran has offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made this proposal on Sunday, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated it on Monday.
Iran has long been a regional rival of Saudi Arabia and a supporter of the Houthi rebels. Its mediation proposal comes at a critical moment amidst missile and drone attacks on key Saudi infrastructure, marking a notable development in regional diplomacy.
It remains uncertain what role Iran’s offer might play in easing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On one hand, Saudi Arabia is pursuing military retaliation and international support; on the other, Iran is advocating for a negotiated resolution through mediation.
