Saudi Arabia has recently launched attacks on strategic oil facilities in the outskirts of Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. This action is seen as a new escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces, which are supported by Iran. These attacks, following warnings from Saudi officials for civilians to evacuate targeted areas, are considered the largest assault on Houthi energy infrastructure.
Details of the Attacks on Oil Facilities
The oil facilities at the central station of Sabha in the western part of Sanaa include large tanks that typically hold significant amounts of fuel. However, the Yemen Oil Company has stated that the tanks were empty at the time of the attack. Additionally, Houthi oil facilities at the port of Ras Isa in Al Hudaydah were also attacked in 10 phases, seemingly aimed at incapacitating Houthi forces.
These attacks are clearly a response to the Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh last Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 300 others. The airport will remain closed at least until Saturday, which harms Saudi Arabia's economy as it seeks to present itself as an attractive investment destination.
Consequences and Reactions
A Houthi spokesperson reacted to the attack on their oil facilities, warning employees and citizens near Aramco-affiliated facilities in Riyadh that these locations are legitimate targets for their forces. These threats come as Saudi Arabia maintains complete air superiority over Yemen, while the Houthis are forced to use drones and missiles that can be intercepted.
Some analysts have warned that Saudi Arabia faces challenges in response to the improved weaponry technology of the Houthis. Baraa Shaban, a Yemen expert at the Institute for United Defense Services, stated that the Houthis have learned to use drones that fly at lower altitudes, making them harder to detect. This could lead to continued threats against Saudi facilities.
A new phase of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis began last month when Houthi forces seized key areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strait is a vital waterway for transporting oil and other goods at the southern end of the Red Sea. This week, the Houthis have reached near the city of Taiz and have come close enough to launch rockets into residential areas.
While Yemen's government forces are trying to control the situation by sending reinforcements to the affected areas, anti-Houthi forces in Yemen are not fully united. A group called the Southern Transitional Council has played a more prominent role in fighting the Houthis, although its main goal is separation from northern Yemen.
On Tuesday, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the exiled leader of the Southern Transitional Council, announced in a rare speech that "a public mobilization for the defense of the south and the national liberation project" is underway. Al-Zubaidi, who is currently based in Abu Dhabi, has supported the idea of holding a referendum for the independence of southern Yemen.
