Houthis Target Ras Tanura Refinery as Regional Tensions Surge

Saudi authorities have yet to confirm the strike on the country’s largest refinery, though they previously suspended operations at the site as a defensive measure. While the coalition reported intercepting two incoming missiles, the Houthi military spokesperson insisted the refinery fire resulted from a direct hit. The fighting now extends to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where rebels are attempting to block Saudi-backed forces in a move that threatens critical Red Sea shipping lanes.

The regional fallout is deepening. Egypt’s parliament has authorized military aid to Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential expansion of the alliance against the Iran-aligned group. With the capital city of Sanaa firmly under Houthi control and air raid sirens briefly sounding in Riyadh, the collapse of diplomatic efforts has pushed the conflict into a more volatile phase, heightening global fears regarding oil supply stability.