Saudi Arabia has carried out a series of strikes on a strategic oil depot located on the outskirts of Yemen's capital, Sana'a. This action marks a further escalation in the ongoing conflict between Riyadh and the Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Prior to the attack on Tuesday, a Saudi spokesperson issued a warning for civilians to evacuate the target area. The Central Sabaha Station oil depot, situated on the western side of Sana'a, typically holds significant quantities of fuel derivatives, although the Yemeni Oil Company stated its facilities were empty at the time of the strike.
Additionally, Houthi oil depots at the Ras Isa port in Hodeidah were also targeted in 10 waves of attacks. These strikes appear to be a response to a Houthi attack on King Khalid international airport in Riyadh on Saturday, which resulted in 13 fatalities and 300 injuries. The airport is expected to remain closed until Saturday at the earliest.
In response to the attacks on its oil storage, a Houthi spokesperson warned employees and citizens near any Aramco Petroleum facility in Riyadh to evacuate, stating they are considered legitimate targets. The conflict's latest phase began last month after Houthi rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.