Houthis Strike Saudi Aramco HQ in Dhahran and Riyadh Refinery in Large-Scale Missile and Drone Attack

Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a large-scale coordinated attack on Saudi Arabia on October 14, targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran, an Aramco refinery in Riyadh, and King Khalid International Airport, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The Houthi military spokesperson confirmed all three sites as deliberate targets. An administrative building at Aramco's Eastern Province headquarters in Dhahran was struck, causing a limited fire, while Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles and two drones aimed at the Riyadh region and southern Saudi Arabia. At least four people were injured by falling debris.

The attack is among the most significant against Saudi energy and aviation infrastructure in years, hitting the nerve center of the world's largest oil exporter. It follows a week of intensifying Houthi missile strikes that already shut Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which remained closed following earlier attacks that killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300 in what officials described as the deadliest strike on Saudi Arabia in over a decade. A NOTAM indicated the airport would remain closed until at least October 17.

The escalation has raised concerns about regional stability, airspace safety, and continuity of Saudi oil operations. Saudi Arabia had launched retaliatory strikes of its own earlier the same day, targeting what it described as a Houthi fuel depot used to support attacks on Saudi airports and energy facilities. The Houthis warned international airlines against operating flights to Saudi airports, adding further pressure on regional aviation.