Houthi forces targeted Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Yanbu with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones on September 16, 2026. A military spokesman reported precise strikes causing large fires and substantial destruction at the port city. The operation also targeted an airbase in Khamis Mushait.
This attack heightens existing supply concerns within the global energy market. Saudi Aramco recently canceled or deferred crude oil deliveries to European customers scheduled for late September. These disruptions follow the temporary closure of the East-West Pipeline after a separate drone attack. The closure constrained crude movement to Red Sea export terminals, including Yanbu.