Saudi forces targeted oil facilities and infrastructure in the Ras Isa Port, which is a petroleum product terminal in northwestern Al Hudaydah, with airstrikes. This port has repeatedly been targeted in retaliatory attacks by Houthi rebels.
Details of the Attacks and Damages
According to information provided by Dr. Anis Al-Asbahi, a senior health official of the Houthis, four people were injured in these attacks. Additionally, three others were harmed in an attack on a tank farm in the Bajil area in northeastern Al Hudaydah. Dr. Al-Asbahi emphasized that these attacks on vital oil facilities and ports constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian laws and add to a series of war crimes in Yemen targeting civilians and infrastructure.
Impacts on Maritime Security and Saudi Financial Status
Maritime security advisory reports from Vanguard Tech indicate that at least two commercial vessels have been targeted in these attacks, one of which is likely a 32-year-old cargo ship. The extent of the damages from these attacks is not precisely known, but Vanguard has also reported a second round of airstrikes on the port, this time targeting trucks at the docks.
Saudi forces have not officially confirmed these attacks, but they have been engaged in conflict with Houthi forces in recent weeks. This conflict includes repeated drone and missile attacks by the Houthis on Saudi infrastructure, which have had significant impacts on the security and financial situation of Saudi Arabia. Reports released on Sunday indicate a Houthi drone attack on an industrial site in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which is about 700 miles away from Houthi-controlled areas.
According to published reports, Saudi taxes and expenses are under pressure from Houthi and Iranian attacks. Official statistics show that oil and gas activities in the third quarter of this year have decreased by 20 percent, and the country's economy has faced a 3.8 percent decline. These figures are expected to worsen in the fourth quarter, given the ongoing active campaign of Houthi attacks.
