Greek Air Defense System Intercepts Missiles Targeting Saudi Oil Facilities Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

RIYADH: A Greek air defense system deployed in Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen, preventing what officials described as a major attack on critical oil infrastructure.

According to Greek security sources cited by Reuters, the missiles were aimed at key oil refineries in the Saudi coastal city of Yanbu. The air defense system successfully neutralized both projectiles before they could reach their intended targets, safeguarding the sensitive energy facilities from damage.

The reported missile attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition carried out airstrikes on military positions held by Houthi fighters in Yemen’s western governorate of Al Hudaydah and on Kamaran Island. Coalition spokespersons said the operation was conducted to address threats to international commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Saudi coalition officials stated that only specific military targets linked to the Houthis were struck and emphasized that Al Hudaydah’s commercial port remains secure and all maritime ports are open to navigation. They warned that any further hostile actions by Houthi forces would be met with a firm response.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi administration strongly condemned the airstrikes. Houthi-affiliated media outlet Al Masirah claimed that Saudi warplanes targeted Al Hudaydah city and Kamaran Island, causing significant damage to a telecommunications corporation building and other civilian infrastructure.

In a statement, the Houthi Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a “serious mistake” by Saudi Arabia. Houthi officials asserted that instead of addressing Yemen’s longstanding demands regarding the blockade, Saudi authorities had escalated the situation by attacking facilities inside Yemen. They warned that the strikes would carry consequences and vowed to respond in kind.

The developments underscore the continuing volatility of the conflict and its potential implications for regional security, international shipping routes, and global energy infrastructure.