Shaybah and Dammam, Saudi Arabia: At least two people were killed and two others, including an Indian national, were injured after a drone attack near Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil facility in Saudi Arabia. The incident took place on Wednesday after the Saudi military intercepted a drone suspected of targeting the oil facility.
The deceased were identified as Filipino and Nepali nationals, while the injured were from India and Pakistan. Saudi authorities said the injuries were caused by falling debris following the interception.
According to officials, the intercepted drone triggered a fire in a vehicle belonging to a contractor operating at the oil field. The vehicle was outside the facility’s perimeter when the incident occurred.
Despite the attack, operations at the Shaybah oil facility were not affected.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy confirmed that the relevant authorities responded to the incident and took the necessary measures. The ministry also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure as the country faces continued threats from the Yemen-based Houthi group.
One Killed in Attack on Dammam Airport
The drone incident at Shaybah came amid reports of another attack targeting Saudi Arabia. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was also attacked on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and eight others injured, according to the report.
The injured are receiving medical treatment. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the airport attack caused property damage, the extent of which was still being assessed.
The aviation authority said further updates would be provided as more information became available.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated threats to key infrastructure, including oil installations and airports. The latest incidents have added to concerns over civilian safety and the security of important economic facilities.
US Orders Non-Essential Embassy Staff to Leave Saudi Arabia
Amid the rising security concerns, the United States has ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the safety and security of department personnel and their families remained Washington’s highest priority.
In a statement shared on social media, Pigott pointed to increased hostilities by the Iran-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia. He cited attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have resulted in casualties and serious travel disruptions.
The US decision comes as regional tensions continue to affect security arrangements across the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia-US Differences Over Houthi Threat
The latest attacks have also brought renewed attention to differences between Saudi Arabia and the United States over how to deal with the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia had earlier urged Washington to target the group. However, US President Donald Trump decided against further action after the Houthis gave assurances that they would not target American assets in the region, according to the report.
The United States has also approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Riyadh has been looking towards other regional allies as it continues to deal with the threat posed by the Houthis.
With attacks reported at both an oil facility and an airport, the latest developments have highlighted the security challenges facing Saudi Arabia and raised concerns about the potential impact on civilians and critical infrastructure.