The Saudi Kingdom dealt with several drones that the Houthis launched on Thursday; Air defense systems reportedly eliminated seven Houthi explosive drones, though another did strike an oil facility.
The Iranian-backed Houthi Rebels out of Yemen carried out another series of strikes in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, adding to the recent uptick in Rebel strikes since the turn of the year. According to Reuters, Saudi air defense systems were able to intercept a total of seven drones, one of which was making its way towards a military site in Najran, a Saudi city located near the border with Yemen.
Thursday night’s attack(s) resulted in no casualties, according to the Saudi energy agency.
Though the Saudis eliminated most projectiles, one managed to strike an Aramco petroleum distribution center in Jazan. The fire caused by this could be seen in a video on social media. Oil facilities have been of popular interest when it comes to recent attacks carried out by the Houthis. During drone attacks in the last several weeks, Aramco – the premiere Saudi oil company – has been targeted.
A spokesman for the Houthi military, Yahya Sarea, warned on Friday, “We are prepared to carry out stronger and harsher military attacks in the coming period.”
Houthi strikes have become more common in the region following the Trump administration’s exit from the White House in January, which resulted in far less accountability in the Middle East.