Yemen's Houthi rebels launched an attack on a Saudi Aramco oil distribution facility in Yanbu, a Red Sea port city, using drones and missiles, according to Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson.
Saree said the Houthis will continue targeting Saudi military sites until the Saudi-led coalition lifts its blockade on Houthi-controlled areas. The blockade, enforced since 2015, has cut off fuel, food, and medical supplies to Yemen's most populous regions and killed tens of thousands of people.
The Saudi-led coalition includes the United States as a security partner. The Trump administration has supported U.N.-led ceasefire talks, but the strike complicates those negotiations. Saudi Arabia views such attacks as terrorism and says it needs the blockade to prevent arms smuggling and protect its infrastructure.
For the Houthis, ending the blockade is non-negotiable before any peace deal. For Saudi Arabia, maintaining security remains a top priority. The U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen is expected to continue negotiations with all parties in coming weeks.
