Houthis claim strikes on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure

As a result of a series of attacks by Yemeni Houthis in southern Saudi Arabia, 73 civilians were injured, including women and children. The Saudi coalition reported strikes on civilian and economic facilities, while the Houthis themselves claim that among their targets were an international airport, a military airbase, and facilities of the oil company Saudi Aramco.

The consequences of the attacks were reported by the official spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition, Major General Turki al-Maliki. According to him, the strikes were directed at facilities in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran. In total, 73 civilians were affected.

Al-Maliki called the latest wave of attacks a "dangerous escalation" and stated that coalition forces would take necessary measures to end the threat. The Saudi side particularly emphasized attacks on economic and civilian infrastructure.

Houthis claim strikes on Aramco

Houthi-linked media Ansarollah reported that rockets and drones were used during the attack. According to the group, the targets were the international airport of Abha, King Khalid airbase, as well as facilities of the state oil company Saudi Aramco in Abha and Jizan.

There is currently no independent confirmation of damage to these specific facilities. The Saudi side confirmed attacks on economic infrastructure in these areas, but did not specify whether Aramco facilities were damaged and how serious the consequences might have been.

Therefore, claims of direct hits on oil facilities remain assertions of the Houthis. There have also been no reports of disruptions in production or supply of Saudi Aramco oil at this time.

Escalation occurs amid new fighting in Yemen

The attacks on Saudi Arabia occur simultaneously with a sharp escalation of hostilities in Yemen itself. The forces of the internationally recognized government of the country have launched a counteroffensive against the Houthis and announced their intention to advance towards Sanaa. Fighting has intensified, particularly in the provinces of Al Bayda and Al Jawf.

Tension is also rising near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait - one of the key routes of world maritime trade and transportation of energy resources between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

New strikes on the territory of Saudi Arabia create additional risk for regional energy infrastructure. Particularly sensitive for the market remain any confirmed attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities, but as of the morning of September 8, there is no data on disruption of the company's operations after the latest attack.

Based on materials from: Asharq Al-Awsat, Der Standard, Al Jazeera