Intro: Saudi air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles and a drone launched from Yemen towards Yanbu, preventing attacks on critical oil infra.
ATHENS
Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen targeting oil refineries in Yanbu on the Red Sea on Saturday, according to Greek security sources.
The attempted strike came a day after the United States launched fresh air strikes on Iran, further escalating tensions across the Middle East.
Saudi civil defence authorities issued several warnings for Yanbu during the attack before later announcing that the immediate danger had passed.
A similar alert was also issued for the southern port city of Jizan, located close to the Yemeni border. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The air defence system responsible for intercepting the missiles is operated by Greek military personnel. Greece has maintained a U.S.-made Patriot missile defence battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under a bilateral agreement aimed at protecting the kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure.
Later on Saturday, the same Patriot system successfully intercepted a drone launched from Yemen over the Yanbu region, preventing another potential strike on strategic facilities.
The latest attack comes as regional hostilities continue to intensify. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have stepped up attacks against Saudi targets, while the United States has increased military operations against Iran. The growing exchange of attacks has heightened concerns over the security of Gulf energy infrastructure and the stability of global oil supplies.
Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the interceptions, but the incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing the region.
BOX
Yemen fails to hit Saudi targets
- Two ballistic missiles intercepted over Yanbu.
- Greek-operated Patriot system neutralised the attack.
- One drone also shot down later.
- No casualties or damage reported.
- Regional tensions continue to escalate.
