Saudi oil firm Aramco was a target in the attempted attack Sunday in its building in Riyadh, as tensions remain high between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the energy ministry said.
The incident reportedly happened at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh’s biggest business hub. The skyscraper owned by Aramco, which serves as the headquarters for the world’s largest oil company, suffered damage, according to witnesses, who said they saw one projectile hit the building.
The Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting in Yemen for a long time, reported that it had intercepted missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthis. Officials didn’t immediately say much about the suspected attack or how badly the building was damaged, though.
The Houthis have the aim of persistent attacks on Aramco’s facilities and infrastructure for months now. As the conflict between the two sides escalated, they have reportedly been attacked at tankers, refineries, storage locations and even the company’s headquarters.
In July 2022, the truce is believed to have fallen apart in the fighting of the Yemen conflict with renewed exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The insurgent group has also struck Saudi airports, military bases and energy facilities since then.
The King Abdullah Financial District stands as one of the country’s important landmarks with renowned commercial towers, luxurious shopping malls and modern buildings. The latest is just the latest example of the ongoing security threats endured by Kingdom in the wake of the protracted conflict.