Missile Attack On World's Biggest Oil Company Aramco, Houthi Strikes Shake Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels has taken a dangerous turn. Late Tuesday night, news of a ballistic missile targeting the administrative complex of Saudi Aramco, one of the world's leading oil companies, in Saudi Arabia's eastern city of Dhahran came to light. Saudi State News Agency (SPA) on Wednesday quoted an energy ministry official as saying that a fire broke out in the building after the attack, although no injuries were reported.

Was Aramco's headquarters damaged?

According to reports, the missile attack damaged the upper three floors of Aramco's office building. A source associated with the company and two other people with knowledge of the matter also said that there was a fire in the building. However, available reports regarding responsibility for the attack have not been independently confirmed.

Aramco is extremely important to the economy of Saudi Arabia. Its operations network includes oil wells, pipelines, refineries and export terminals. In such a situation, the news of attack on the company's administrative complex has increased concerns regarding regional security and oil supply.

Missile and drone attacks in many areas including Riyadh?

The Saudi-led coalition claimed that fragments of a missile intercepted over Dhahran fell on a residential area. Apart from this, information about interception and destruction of missiles and drones in Riyadh and southern parts of the country has also come to light.

According to reports, for the last week, Houthi rebels have been trying to target important targets of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh airport is also said to be included in these. There is a possibility of impact on flight services and regional security due to continuous attacks.

Had Houthi rebels been warned of the attack earlier also?

Houthi spokesman Yahya Sari had earlier warned of a tough crackdown in response to the Saudi-led coalition's attacks on Sanaa. According to Houthi-run al-Masirah television, the coalition had attacked an oil depot and other targets in Yemen.

The Houthi rebels say their actions are aimed at affecting Saudi Arabia, Yemen and international sea routes. However, independent verification of the claims of the parties to the conflict is necessary.

At present, the security situation in West Asia remains under watch amid missile and drone attacks. Diplomatic efforts and military activities in the coming days will decide whether tensions in the region reduce or the conflict escalates.