Saudi Arabia: Suspected Houthi drones attack oil facilities near Riyadh May 14

Event

Seven armed drones reportedly attacked two oil pumping stations in the towns of al-Duwadimi and Afif (Riyadh province) between 06:00 and 06:30 (local time) on Tuesday, May 14. The attack caused a fire and minor damage to an oil pumping station. The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (ARAMCO) subsequently announced it would halt operations on the East-West pipeline - which links the Eastern province to the Red Sea - following the attack to evaluate the damage. Houthi rebels later claimed the attack, saying it was carried out in response to Saudi Arabia's involvement in the conflict in Yemen.

Further such attacks are possible over the near term.

Context

Houthi rebels are engaged in a civil war against with the Yemeni government supported by a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Reports estimate that Houthi militants have also fired over 200 missiles at Saudi Arabia since 2015.

Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced

Advice

Individuals in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, are advised to monitor developments to the situation.