RIYADH: Flames and thick smoke were seen rising from a facility belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco south of the Saudi capital on Saturday, October 3, 2026, according to accounts from an AFP journalist and a witness cited by Reuters. The circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear. Saudi authorities had issued no immediate confirmation of what happened, and Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As of the time of reporting, no group had claimed responsibility for the fire, and no official statement had established its cause.
Context: recent Houthi-Saudi escalation
In recent weeks, Aramco facilities have been targeted by Yemen's Houthi group as part of its campaign against the kingdom amid the war in Yemen, where Riyadh backs the internationally recognised government. Last month, the Houthis said they launched strikes targeting what they described as "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in the port city of Yanbu. In August, they targeted an airport and an Aramco facility in the southern Najran region, and in July they announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia said last week it had intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis toward Taif and the Yanbu area, but reported no damage to Aramco facilities from that interception.
Airstrikes reported in Sanaa on same day
Separately on Saturday, loud explosions were heard in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, AFP correspondents said. The Houthis reported airstrikes in the area by Saudi-backed government forces. The cause of the fire south of Riyadh remains unconfirmed, and authorities have not linked it to any of the recent attacks. This story is developing.
Sources: Reuters via Tribune – Fire, smoke seen near Aramco facility in Riyadh, witness says | The Hindu (AFP) – Flames, smoke at Aramco facility south of Saudi capital | Jerusalem Post (Reuters) – Fire, smoke seen near Aramco facility in Riyadh, witness says
Context: recent Houthi-Saudi escalation
In recent weeks, Aramco facilities have been targeted by Yemen's Houthi group as part of its campaign against the kingdom amid the war in Yemen, where Riyadh backs the internationally recognised government. Last month, the Houthis said they launched strikes targeting what they described as "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in the port city of Yanbu. In August, they targeted an airport and an Aramco facility in the southern Najran region, and in July they announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia said last week it had intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis toward Taif and the Yanbu area, but reported no damage to Aramco facilities from that interception.
Airstrikes reported in Sanaa on same day
Separately on Saturday, loud explosions were heard in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, AFP correspondents said. The Houthis reported airstrikes in the area by Saudi-backed government forces. The cause of the fire south of Riyadh remains unconfirmed, and authorities have not linked it to any of the recent attacks. This story is developing.
Sources: Reuters via Tribune – Fire, smoke seen near Aramco facility in Riyadh, witness says | The Hindu (AFP) – Flames, smoke at Aramco facility south of Saudi capital | Jerusalem Post (Reuters) – Fire, smoke seen near Aramco facility in Riyadh, witness says
