Saudi Arabia has confirmed that it successfully intercepted a drone attack targeting the strategic Ras Tanura refinery, one of the world’s largest and most important oil processing complexes, according to the kingdom’s defence ministry.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the defence ministry said preliminary assessments indicated that the attack was carried out using a drone and caused no significant damage to the facility.
The interception comes after an earlier attack earlier in the week that sparked a fire and forced the temporary suspension of some operations at the coastal refinery.
Situated along Saudi Arabia’s eastern Gulf coastline, the Ras Tanura facility is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s energy sector and is regarded as one of the Middle East’s most critical oil refining hubs. The complex has a processing capacity of approximately 550,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Tensions across the region have intensified in recent weeks, with Gulf states accusing Iran of targeting energy infrastructure across the region through a series of missile and drone strikes amid the broader military confrontation involving United States and Israel.
Authorities in Gulf countries have expressed growing concern that vital energy installations could become targets as the conflict widens, prompting tighter security measures and increased surveillance around strategic facilities.
Saudi officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure while closely monitoring developments in the volatile regional security landscape.
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