RIYADH/DUBAI: Yemen's Houthi rebels struck the headquarters of Saudi Aramco in the eastern city of Dhahran on the night of October 13. Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said the attack caused a limited fire with no deaths or injuries reported.
Three people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that the fire spread across several floors, from the sixth to the 10th. Another source said the top floors, including offices of chief executive Amin Nasser, were heavily damaged. Operations continued, with some employees asked to work from home, according to two of the sources. Aramco did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
On October 14 the Houthis claimed they had hit Aramco facilities in Dhahran, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an Aramco refinery in Riyadh with ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. They vowed more attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities and urged international shipping companies, civilians and workers to evacuate those sites.
Riyadh's international airport has been attacked four times recently, including a Saturday strike that killed 13 people. Reports said the airport was closed until October 17. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a ballistic missile headed toward Riyadh on Wednesday.
The Associated Press also reported on the Houthi strikes in Saudi Arabia. Accounts of the Dhahran damage differ: the ministry described a limited fire, while Reuters sources described extensive damage to upper floors.