Houthi rebels have attacked Saudi Arabia's oil refinery with aircraft.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking a Saudi Arabian oil refinery on the Red Sea coast using drones, according to reports from regional media. The attack occurred in response to a Saudi military incursion into northern Yemen, officials stated. The incident took place just one day after Saudi Arabia signed a defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, under which an attack on any signatory nation would be considered an attack on all three. The Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, announced through its press representative that they had precisely hit the Aramco refinery in Jizan, located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, using a drone. They described the strike as retaliation for the recent Saudi military operation in northwest Yemen. According to the Saudi Ministry of Energy, a fire broke out following the attack but was quickly extinguished by Aramco security teams. No casualties were reported, according to French news agency AFP. The attack follows a period of escalating tensions between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized government in Yemen. Since late July, Houthi forces have launched several direct attacks on Saudi territory, targeting both maritime and energy infrastructure. In response to Saudi restrictions on shipping traffic in areas under Houthi control, the rebels warned of a naval blockade in the Red Sea as a retaliatory measure. Saudi Arabia’s defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan came amid growing concerns over regional stability. The agreement, finalized on August 9, 2026, aims to deter potential aggression against any of the three nations by treating such actions as threats to all. This move has drawn attention from international observers, who see it as a strategic effort to bolster collective security in the volatile Middle East. Houthi representatives have issued warnings to Turkey and Pakistan, cautioning them about the consequences of violating Yemen’s sovereignty or participating in joint military operations with Saudi Arabia against Houthi-controlled territories. These statements come as the conflict in Yemen continues to intensify, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been engaged in a protracted conflict with Saudi-led coalition forces since 2014. The ongoing war has resulted in widespread humanitarian crises, including food shortages, medical supply disruptions, and displacement of civilians. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, violence persists, particularly along the border regions where both sides maintain active military presence. In addition to the recent drone attack, Houthi forces have conducted multiple strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and ports. These actions have prompted Saudi Arabia to implement stricter measures to protect its economic assets while simultaneously seeking international support to counter the perceived threat posed by Houthi militants. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, with many countries urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. However, the recent developments suggest that the conflict could continue to worsen unless a comprehensive resolution is reached through diplomatic channels.