Attacks by Tehran-allied Houthi rebels today targeted oil facilities in the Red Sea, spokesman Yahya Sari said.
In a video message, the spokesman said Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco’s facilities in Jizan and Yanbu were attacked today “by drones and missiles” and threatened escalation in the coming days and hours.
The conflict in the Middle East has now spread to the shores of the Red Sea. Following a four-year ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has supported the Yemeni government against the rebels since 2015, hostilities resumed on July 13.
The situation heightens uncertainty in a key region for global hydrocarbon trade. The price of oil briefly broke above the $100 barrier again this week before retreating.
The Houthis announced last Monday their intention to cut off traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for ships linked to Saudi, Israeli and US interests.
The Red Sea channel is now a vital alliance for Riyadh after Tehran blocked the Straits of Hormuz on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula.
Although some ships have diverted to the Red Sea in the face of Houthi threats, shipping traffic continues as normal through the Bab el-Madeb Strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
And the Houthis assure that the naval blockade of Bab el-Madeb is not aimed at paralyzing the channel.
RES-EMP