Houthi forces claim drone strike on Aramco facility in Jazan

Yemen’s Houthi forces, formally known as Ansar Allah, say they launched a drone strike on Najran Airport in southern Saudi Arabia. The group framed the attack as retaliation for Saudi drone activities over Yemen’s Saada and Hajjah governorates. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the strike on August 4, claiming it was executed with precision. Saudi authorities have not confirmed any damage from the Najran operation. A truce unravels The Najran strike was part of a series of Houthi operations during July and August 2026, coinciding with the breakdown of a UN-brokered truce that had reduced major combat operations since 2022. Around August 8-9, Houthi forces said they had targeted a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan, a facility that processes approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Saudi authorities acknowledged a fire at the Jazan facility but said it was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported. Saudi Arabia’s shifting defense posture In early August 2026, Riyadh formalized new military cooperation agreements with both Turkey and Pakistan. The Houthis have long received military support from Tehran, including the drone and missile technology that makes t...