Aramco plant hit by drones

The Saudi energy minister Khalid Al Falih yesterday confirmed that a drone strike hit the Shaybah natural gas liquefaction facility causing a small fire on Saturday. In a statement condemning the attack, Falih said there had been “no injuries” and that the fire had been put out after the several drones were fired at the plant.

“This cowardly attack once again highlights the importance of the international community’s response to all terrorist agents who carry out such acts of sabotage, including Iran, backed Houthi militias,” Falih said in the statement. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack. “Saudi Aramco’s response team controlled a limited fire this morning at the Shaybah NGL facility,” a statement released on the oil giant’s website read.

“There were no injuries and no interruptions to Saudi Aramco’s oil operations. We will provide further details as they become available.” The Houthis have carried out a number of attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks and months, targeting residential areas and airports.

The field is located near the border with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s main partner in the Arab coalition to restore the internationally recognized government to Yemen.