Tension has increased again in Saudi Arabia. Missile and drone attacks from Yemen targeted a large industrial city of Jizan and an oil facility linked to Aramco. These attacks caused power outages in many areas and led to an emergency alert for Yanbu province.
**Aramco was targeted**
The tension between Saudi Arabia and Yemen seems to be reaching its peak. According to Arab media, three major areas of Saudi Arabia – Jizan, Yanbu and Dammam – were retaliated by Yemen. One of the main reasons for concern was that an oil facility belonging to Aramco was targeted. Aramco is the world’s largest oil company and any attack on it is considered a major blow to the global oil market. There was power failure in many areas after the attacks. Saudi Civil Defense issued an emergency alert for Yanbu province through the National Early Warning Platform.
**Why is this time important?**
This attack has come at a time when tension is increasing in the Middle East due to the ongoing regional conflict between America and Iran. Late Friday night, Saudi Arabia attacked Yemen’s Houthi-controlled city of Hodeidah. In response, the Houthi Foreign Ministry warned that Saudi Arabia will have to pay a heavy price for this attack. According to Houthi-backed Al-Masirah TV, Telecommunications Authority facilities were targeted in Hodeidah and Qamran Island was also attacked, wounding a woman.
**Tension in the Red Sea**
On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed they attacked Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using drones and missiles. At least one ship was damaged in this incident. The Houthis said the action was taken as part of a blockade imposed on 20 July. This blockade was imposed in response to the attack on Sana’a airport.
**What next?**
For the past few months, the Houthis have been continuously targeting Saudi oil installations and shipping routes. These incidents happening in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz are having a direct impact on the supply of crude oil. Experts believe that if these attacks continue, the prices of Brent crude may increase again. This news is especially important for countries like India, because we import a large part of our oil needs from this region. Currently, Saudi Arabia is on high alert and security has been increased at Aramco plants.
