Saudi Aramco Halts Jazan Refinery After Houthi Attack

Key facts

• Saudi Aramco halted operations at its Jazan refinery on July 27 following a Houthi attack.
• The Jazan refinery has a processing capacity of 400,000 barrels of oil per day.
• The attack damaged the refinery's integrated gasification combined-cycle complex and an oil storage area.
• Repairs are planned to be completed and operations restarted by August 15.
• Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for strikes on facilities in Jazan and Yanbu.

Saudi Aramco halted operations at its Jazan refinery on July 27 after a Houthi attack damaged the facility, according to a Reuters report citing a consultancy memo. The refinery, capable of processing 400,000 barrels of oil per day, sustained damage to its integrated gasification combined-cycle complex and an oil storage area. Repairs are anticipated to be completed, with operations restarting by August 15.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for striking Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, widening a regional conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies. Footage circulating online showed smoke billowing from the Jazan complex.

This incident follows earlier reports of Saudi Aramco suspending operations at the Abqaiq oil processing facility due to a Houthi attack. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about potential blockages of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which could lead to significant global economic damage.