Iran-aligned Houthis claim they attacked oil refinery in Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery, which caused a fire that was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries. This incident occurs two days after Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan formed a defense pact in response to rising regional instability, and amid Iran’s issuance of stringent demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

• The Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery.
• The attack occurred shortly after Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a defense pact.
• Iran has issued tough demands, including an end to US threats and sanctions, for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• The UAE reported one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile.
• The Saudi energy ministry confirmed a fire at the refinery but stated it was extinguished with no injuries.
• The Houthi military spokesperson stated the drone targeted the refinery in Jazan.
• Iran and allied groups have been striking Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states since February 28.
• The new defense pact aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression.
• The Turkish foreign minister stated the alliance is not directed against any specific country.