Overview
- The Houthi movement said on Tuesday it fired a ballistic missile that hit the Ras Tanura oil complex and caused a fire, while Bloomberg and maritime agency Vanguard reported a fire near the terminal that was later contained.
- Saudi and coalition statements said air defences intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh and other regions, and Saudi Civil Defence reported material damage in Riyadh from falling missile debris.
- The Houthis also claimed a direct hit on Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry in Riyadh and said they destroyed two military transport aircraft and struck several airports, but Saudi authorities have not independently confirmed those specific claims.
- Ras Tanura processes roughly 550,000 barrels per day and handles much of Saudi crude exports, so any damage or prolonged disruption there could directly affect shipping schedules and global oil flows.
- Verification of many Houthi assertions remains limited, increasing the risk of misreporting as tensions rise with Iran-linked support to the Houthis and regional diplomatic efforts seek to avert broader escalation.