Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have assaulted an oil store in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, before of a Formula One race.
On Friday, Houthi militants in Yemen assaulted an oil facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of a Formula One race. It was the rebels’ most high-profile attack yet, despite Saudi authorities’ assurances that the forthcoming Grand Prix would go on as planned.
The attack was on the same gasoline store that the Houthis had hit in recent days, the North Jeddah Bulk Plant, that is located just southeast of the city’s international airport and serves as a vital stopover for Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca. The attack resulted in no injuries.
Saudi Aramco, the publicly traded Saudi Arabian Oil Company, did not respond to a request for comment. The Houthis launched a “hostile action” against the depot, according to Saudi officials.
Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition in Yemen fighting the Houthis, who are backed by Iran who captured Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in September 2014. The monarchy, which entered the conflict in 2015, has been chastised worldwide for bombings that have killed dozens of civilians – a point made by the Houthis as they launch drones, missiles, and mortars into the kingdom.
The fire damaged two tanks and was put out without injuries, according to Brig Gen Turki al-Malki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, “this hostile escalation targets oil facilities and tries to undermine energy security and the backbone of the global economy.” “These aggressive attacks had no impact or ramifications on public life in Jeddah in any way, shape, or form.”
Overnight, the Saudi-led coalition warned that more assaults on Yemen would be launched, including in the hard-hit port city of Hodeida.
Despite a United Nations arms embargo, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan criticized the strikes, calling them “obviously enabled by Iran.” While Iran denies equipping the Houthis, U.N. experts and Western countries have connected weaponry in the hands of the rebels to Iran.
Authorities in Tehran flooded Azadi Square, or “Freedom Square,” in a light projection depicting the faces of Houthi leaders.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced the Houthi attacks. “These strikes endanger civilian life and must be stopped,” stated on Twitter.
Published By : VATSAL KOTHA
Edited By : KHUSHI THAKUR
