Saudi Arabia Conducts Airstrikes on Oil Depots in Yemen Amid Escalating Conflict

On October 9, 2026, Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on oil depots located on the outskirts of Sana’a, Yemen's capital, amid escalating tensions with Houthi forces. The Saudi military later reported intercepting missiles aimed at Dhahran, where the headquarters of Saudi Aramco is situated. Prior to the airstrikes, a Saudi spokesperson advised civilians to evacuate the target area, indicating the scale of the operation against Houthi energy infrastructure. The Central Sabaha Station oil depot, targeted in the strikes, typically holds large quantities of fuel, although the Yemeni Oil Company stated that its facilities were empty at the time of the attack. Additionally, Houthi oil depots at the Ras Isa port in Hodeidah were struck in a series of attacks aimed at disrupting Houthi military operations. These actions followed a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in 13 fatalities and 300 injuries, leading to the airport's closure. In response, a Houthi spokesperson warned individuals near Aramco facilities in Riyadh to evacuate, labeling them as legitimate targets. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a missile aimed at Dhahran, with debris falling in a residential area, prompting an evacuation order. Baraa Shiban from the Royal United Services Institute noted that the Houthis have improved their missile technology, making them more difficult to detect. The ongoing conflict has seen both sides threatening to target each other's energy infrastructure, indicating a significant escalation. Donald Trump commented on the situation, criticizing Houthi actions but refraining from announcing new military measures. The conflict has intensified since last month when Houthis captured strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital for oil transportation. As the Houthis advance towards Taiz, local leaders have requested military support, while health professionals have raised concerns about medicine shortages. Government-aligned forces have sent reinforcements to combat the Houthi advance, although internal divisions among anti-Houthi forces persist. Aidarous al Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council, called for mobilization against the Houthis while expressing support for a potential referendum on South Yemen's independence. Zubaidi's organization remains banned in Yemen, but discussions are ongoing regarding its potential recognition by Saudi leadership.