Drones intercepted as smoke rises from oil facility in eastern Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said drones “attempted to attack” Ras Tanura refinery early in morning but were intercepted and destroyed
RAS TANURA, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Footage circulating online showed large plumes of smoke rising from an oil facility in Ras Tanura, a major energy hub in eastern Saudi Arabia, following what authorities described as a drone attack.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said two drones “attempted to attack” the Ras Tanura refinery early in the morning but were intercepted and destroyed.
Debris from the interception caused a small fire, officials said, adding that no civilian casualties were reported.
Saudi state media reported that authorities temporarily shut down operations at the refinery near Dammam as a precaution while emergency crews brought the fire under control.
Images from the area showed smoke billowing above industrial installations, though officials stressed that critical infrastructure remained intact.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory threats from Tehran.
An Iranian military source quoted by Iranian state media sought to downplay suggestions that regional oil facilities were targeted by Iran.
“Oil facilities of regional countries have not been targets of Iran’s attacks,” the source said.
“But all American and Israeli interests anywhere in the region are legitimate targets and will all be struck.”
The comments added to what observers described conflicting narratives surrounding the escalation.
Similarly, Yemeni commentator Ahmed Hassan argued that the attack on the Saudi facility bore the hallmarks of other actors.
“I don’t think Iran attacked Aramco,” Hassan said.
“I believe those who attacked it were trying to push Saudi Arabia into war. The UAE’s oil wasn’t attacked, so why would Iran target Saudi oil now?”
Saudi officials have not attributed responsibility for the drone attempt and reiterated that an investigation is under way.
For now, the temporary shutdown of the refinery underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure amid broader geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about potential disruptions in global oil markets and regional stability.
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