Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched a significant assault on Saudi Arabia, striking multiple energy targets with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The attacks hit facilities operated by Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, raising alarms about potential disruptions to global oil supplies and increased costs for U.S. consumers.
The strikes, which occurred in the southern Saudi Arabian cities of Jazan, Najran, Abha, and Khamis Mushait, wounded 73 people and caused fires at energy facilities and utilities, temporarily halting some operations. The Jazan site includes a refinery capable of processing approximately 400,000 barrels of crude per day.
These attacks come at a critical juncture for global energy markets. With oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz significantly reduced due to ongoing conflict, Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait for its oil exports. The Houthis have previously threatened and attacked Saudi-linked shipping in this vital waterway.
Data from the Energy Information Administration indicates a dramatic decrease in oil and petroleum liquids transiting the Strait of Hormuz, dropping from 21.6 million barrels per day before the conflict to just 4.9 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2026. In contrast, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb averaged 8.1 million barrels per day during the same period as Saudi Arabia rerouted crude to bypass Hormuz.
The renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure create a vulnerability for two crucial oil routes simultaneously. Such a sustained disruption could lead to higher crude oil, shipping, and transportation costs, potentially impacting U.S. consumers. Brent crude was trading near $99 per barrel following the attacks.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating the group had deployed dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against Aramco facilities, the Jazan industrial zone, and a Saudi air base. The Houthis stated the operation was in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and threatened further action if Riyadh's military campaign continues.
Former President Donald Trump had previously warned Iran, holding it responsible for Houthi actions. Following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea in July, Trump stated that the U.S. would inflict "major military punishment" on both Iran and the Houthis if such attacks occurred again. The latest strikes on energy facilities, rather than ships, leave it unclear how the current administration would categorize the transgression against Trump's established red line.
The U.S. Maritime Administration maintains an active advisory warning of ongoing Houthi threats to commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Between November 2023 and October 2025, the Houthis reportedly carried out over 100 attacks on commercial vessels, impacting more than 60 nations. These attacks have already forced major shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and cost to voyages.
Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes as a "dangerous escalation" and vowed to defend its territory, with the Saudi-led coalition indicating measures would be taken to deter further attacks. The ultimate economic impact will depend on Saudi Arabia's ability to restore affected operations and the continued transit of commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb. A further attack on commercial vessels could increase pressure on the waterway and potentially trigger further U.S. responses against both the Houthis and Iran.