Houthi Drone Strikes Ignite Saudi Oil Infrastructure

The offensive targeted a strategic airbase in Khamis Mushait alongside vital state-run refinery and power facilities in Abha, Najran, and Jazan. Saudi authorities confirmed the strikes caused massive fires across the sites, noting that casualties included women and children. The assault serves as a direct challenge to energy stability, as the infrastructure hit is central to the kingdom's output.

While the Houthis have claimed the military action, the scale of the destruction remains difficult to verify independently due to strict media controls within the country. Global oil prices responded immediately to the uncertainty, reflecting the market’s sensitivity to disruptions in Saudi supply chains. This expansion of hostilities represents a significant shift in the six-month-old conflict, testing the defensive capabilities of the U.S. ally.