Saudi Arabia issued emergency safety alerts across Riyadh province after a missile attack struck an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, intensifying fears of a wider regional escalation between the Kingdom and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. The attack triggered a fire at the facility, while missile debris injured civilians in the Saudi capital.
Riyadh Receives Emergency Alerts
Authorities sent warning notifications to residents in Riyadh City and Al Kharj Governorate amid concerns over potential aerial threats. The alerts came just hours after Saudi air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles aimed at the Kingdom. Officials later announced that the immediate danger had passed while urging residents to remain vigilant and follow Civil Defence instructions.
Aramco Facility Hit, Fire Quickly Contained
The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed that a missile struck an administrative building owned by Saudi Aramco, causing a limited fire but resulting in no casualties. The attack targeted the company’s complex in Dhahran, a critical hub within Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. Authorities rapidly responded to contain the blaze and secure the site.
Four Civilians Injured in Riyadh
Despite successful interceptions by Saudi air defence systems, debris from destroyed missiles fell into residential areas in Riyadh, injuring four people, including two women, a man and a child. Fifteen homes were also damaged, highlighting the growing risks faced by civilians amid escalating regional tensions.
Houthis Claim Responsibility
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks targeting Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh, as well as King Khalid International Airport. The group said ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones were used during the operation and warned of further attacks against Saudi airports and oil infrastructure.
Saudi Coalition Strikes Back
The Saudi-led coalition launched retaliatory operations against fuel storage facilities and strategic infrastructure in Sanaa, Hodeidah and Dhamar. Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki said the facilities were being used to support Houthi missile and drone operations targeting Saudi Arabia, Red Sea shipping routes and civilian infrastructure.
IMF: Attacks Could Impact Global Economy
The International Monetary Fund warned that continued attacks on Saudi Arabia could have consequences far beyond the Middle East. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said disruptions affecting Saudi Arabia could create negative ripple effects across global markets due to the Kingdom’s importance to regional and international energy supplies.
Trump Warns Houthis and Iran
US President Donald Trump strongly condemned the attacks and warned that Washington could take further action against both the Houthis and Iran. Trump accused the group of acting at Tehran’s direction and signalled that the United States would soon decide on its next response.
Erdogan Voices Support for Saudi Arabia
Regional diplomatic efforts continued as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly reassured Saudi leadership that the Houthi threat can be overcome through coordinated regional efforts, reflecting growing international concern over the security situation in the Gulf.
The strike on an Aramco facility represents more than a security incident. It is a direct challenge to Gulf energy stability, investor confidence and regional security architecture. While Saudi air defences continue to intercept threats, the latest attacks demonstrate that the conflict is increasingly affecting critical infrastructure, civilians and financial markets. With global energy security once again in focus, the international community will be closely watching Riyadh’s next move.
