Saudi Arabia has intensified its campaign against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, striking oil storage facilities near Sana’a and the port of Hodeidah, while intercepting missiles targeting the area around Saudi Aramco’s headquarters.
The escalation raises fresh concerns over the security of regional energy infrastructure and the wider implications for maritime trade. Saudi Arabia launched a series of strikes on 13 October against Houthi-linked energy infrastructure in Yemen, including the Central Sabaha Station oil depot on the western outskirts of the capital, Sana’a.
The attacks were followed by a missile interception near Dharan, home to the headquarters of Saudi state-owned energy giant Saudi Aramco, according to reports.
The strikes mark a further escalation in the conflict between Riyadh and the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Before the offensive, a Saudi spokesperson warned civilians to leave the targeted area, ahead of what was described as a major assault on Houthi energy infrastructure.
The Central Sabaha Station depot contains large storage tanks used for petroleum derivatives. However, the Yemeni Oil Company said its storage facilities were empty at the time of the attack.
Houthi energy infrastructure targeted
The Saudi-led offensive also targeted oil depots at Ras Isa port in Hodeidah, a facility previously struck by Israel in 2024. According to The Guardian, the attacks were carried out in 10 waves and appeared aimed at weakening the Houthis’ operational capabilities as their forces continued advancing south, including towards the city of Taiz.
Saudi forces also struck what they believed to be a Houthi leadership hideout in the Bani Mu’in area of the Razih border district, west of Saada governorate in northern Yemen.
The attacks appeared to be a response to a Houthi strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, which reportedly killed 13 people and injured 300. The airport was expected to remain closed until at least Saturday, dealing a further blow to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to present itself as a secure destination for international investment.
Missile intercepted near Saudi Aramco headquarters
The Houthis responded to the strikes on their oil storage facilities with a warning directed at personnel and civilians near Saudi energy infrastructure. A Houthi spokesperson urged those near facilities affiliated with Aramco in Riyadh to evacuate, declaring them legitimate military targets.
Later on, Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a missile launched towards Dharan, where Saudi Aramco is headquartered. Debris from the interception reportedly fell in a residential area, while witnesses reported hearing loud explosions.
Four sources told Reuters that an evacuation order had been issued for the building. Saudi Aramco had not issued an official comment or confirmation at the time of reporting.
Energy security and maritime implications
The latest developments highlight the growing vulnerability of energy infrastructure across the region as the conflict expands to oil storage facilities, strategic ports and sites linked to major energy companies.
The targeting of Ras Isa port is particularly significant from a maritime perspective, given the role of coastal energy facilities in regional oil logistics. Continued attacks on ports, storage depots and energy infrastructure could complicate cargo handling and increase security concerns for operators working in nearby waters.
With both sides threatening or targeting strategically important facilities, the situation remains a concern for the regional energy sector and commercial shipping. Further escalation could have wider implications for maritime security, particularly if hostilities begin to affect shipping routes or port operations.