The key facts

  • On the evening of October 13, the Saudi Aramco administrative building in Dhahran was attacked; according to Reuters, a ballistic missile hit it, the top three floors were damaged, and there were no casualties.
  • The Houthis have been attacking Saudi facilities for a week; in Riyadh, four people were injured during the interception of two missiles.
  • The White House asked US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign; she calls the allegations false.

Attack on Saudi Aramco Facility in Dhahran

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy reported on October 14 that the administrative building of the oil company Saudi Aramco in the city of Dhahran in the east of the country was attacked on the evening of October 13. According to the ministry, a limited fire broke out as a result, with no deaths or injuries. Citing a source at the company, Reuters reported that a ballistic missile hit Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran; the top three floors of the building were damaged.

Situation in the Region

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition reported that debris from a missile shot down over Dhahran fell on a residential area. In Riyadh, during the interception of two Houthi missiles, their debris also fell on a residential zone, and four people were wounded. The Houthis have been launching ballistic missiles and drones at key Saudi facilities for a week now, and previously threatened a 'harsh and painful' response to the coalition's strikes on Sanaa. Saudi forces said they struck a fuel depot on the outskirts of Sanaa and other targets in order to 'neutralize the Houthis' ability to threaten'.

Context of the Conflict

After Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in February, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait became an even more important route for Saudi Arabia. The Yemeni conflict escalated again on February 28 as a continuation of the broader war that began with the US and Israeli attack on Iran. Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen, resumed its military campaign against the Houthis last month.

Resignation of the US Ambassador to Greece

The controversy surrounding US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle is ending with her departure from the post. On October 13, the White House said it had asked her to resign. The reason was reports that the ambassador had sold the opportunity to meet with Trump administration officials for money, gifts, and various services. The day before, President Donald Trump said he was considering dismissing her: 'She worked well, but we didn't like what we read,' he told journalists. The new White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt — actually Katie Zachary — also confirmed that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign. Guilfoyle herself rejected the allegations: 'These allegations are false; I will firmly defend my name, reputation, and integrity,' she wrote.