Oil prices spike to $100 as Saudi Arabia responds to Houthi strikes
Saudi Arabia launched retaliatory strikes after Houthi missiles targeted Aramco facilities, causing temporary shutdowns and pushing crude prices toward $100 a barrel.
Oil prices jumped toward $100 per barrel on Tuesday following Houthi missile attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. The strikes forced temporary shutdowns at oil sites and resulted in 73 injuries. Saudi Arabia responded with a series of airstrikes on Houthi-held provinces. This marks the heaviest exchange of fire in years between the two sides.
Houthi missiles hit Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Base, and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco. The attacks targeted locations in Abha and Jizan, forcing a halt in some energy operations. Jizan hosts one of Saudi Arabia’s largest refineries with a capacity of 400,000 barrels per day. The facility had been offline for several weeks prior to the latest incident.
Retaliatory strikes hit Houthi provinces
Saudi forces struck targets in Taiz and Marib provinces on Tuesday. Houthi media reported damage to military positions in these areas. Riyadh has vowed to defend its territory against perceived threats. The Saudi-led coalition stated it will neutralize dangers to its security.
Escalation threatens Red Sea shipping
The Houthis aim to control the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical route for oil. This move follows Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which reduced Gulf exports. Analysts describe the situation as a spiral of escalation. The collapse of the four-year truce in July reignited the conflict.
Diplomatic options remain open
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said diplomacy is still possible. He confirmed that Riyadh will defend its interests and security. The Kingdom supports peace but will not hesitate to respond to attacks. This stance was articulated during a press conference in Moscow.
