Story perspectives

Houthi Drones Strike Saudi Aramco Jizan Refinery, Saudi Retaliation Threats

8/15/2026

Summary

Houthi Drone Attack

On 13 August 2026, Houthi rebels launched two drones at Saudi Aramco’s refinery in Jizan.
A Houthi military source said the drones hit the refinery precisely as retaliation for Saudi violations of Yemeni airspace over Saada and Hajjah.
The source warned of decisive response to any further Saudi infringement, noting the attack follows the Houthis’ 20 July declaration of a Red Sea naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.

Summary

IMO Urges Assessment

Arsenio Domínguez, IMO secretary-general, called the Bab al-Mandeb strike “particularly troublesome” and urged risk assessments.
Yemen’s Transport Ministry held Houthi militias fully responsible for the deaths, injuries and damage to the 520-dwt cargo ship Tihamah built in China in 2024 and registered in Tanzania and owned by an Egyptian firm.
Saudi Arabia convened a second August 12 session to shape a 14-nation Gulf of Aden security initiative protecting shipping.

History

Historical Context

After the Houthis hit Saudi oil infrastructure in 2019—first a May 14 drone strike on the East-West pipeline, then a June 23 attack on Abha Airport—the conflict escalated with missile attacks on Saudi facilities. Continued assaults, including a July 25, 2022 drone raid on the Jizan refinery, later inspired the August 2026 Jizan refinery and Bab al-Mandeb cargo-ship attacks.

1 of 3

Houthi Drone Attack

On 13 August 2026, Houthi rebels launched two drones at Saudi Aramco’s refinery in Jizan.
A Houthi military source said the drones hit the refinery precisely as retaliation for Saudi violations of Yemeni airspace over Saada and Hajjah.
The source warned of decisive response to any further Saudi infringement, noting the attack follows the Houthis’ 20 July declaration of a Red Sea naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.

1 / 3