Saudi Aramco has instructed its employees in Dhahran to evacuate its headquarters. This decision follows the intensification of clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis of Yemen and arises at a time when the country is facing increasing threats from this group.
Escalation of Clashes and Houthi Attacks
Clashes between the Houthis and the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government, have intensified since the Houthis advanced towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping chokepoint at the entrance of the Red Sea. Recently, this group has carried out attacks on Aramco facilities and Saudi airports, leading to the evacuation order for the company's employees.
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According to informed sources, this evacuation order was issued following a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, raising serious concerns about the safety of employees. This is also the first time Aramco has made such a decision since the onset of the Iran war.
Economic Consequences and Oil Market
Financial markets have also been affected by these developments. The overall index of the Saudi stock market fell by 2.5 percent following news related to Aramco. Meanwhile, oil prices reached their highest level since May, raising concerns about the escalation of the crisis in the Middle East and its impact on oil supply from this key region.
The Saudi coalition command has stated that it will respond to Houthi attacks and will continue airstrikes against Houthi positions. These clashes have also led to the end of the ceasefire between the parties that was established in 2022 under the supervision of the United Nations, opening a new front in the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.
The military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, announced in a televised statement that the group has attacked Aramco facilities in the coastal city of Yanbu and the Saudi Ministry of Defense in Riyadh. However, Saudi officials have yet to respond to these attacks.
These clashes are currently not limited to military actions but also impact economic and social aspects. For example, a Houthi attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, near Dhahran, resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to eight others. This airport has recently resumed its operations.
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