Saudi Arabia: Drone attack causes small fire at Riyadh oil refinery early March 10; no casualties or disruptions reported

Event

The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed early March 11 that a drone attack caused a small fire at an oil refinery in Riyadh early March 10. The blaze was extinguished, and the attack resulted in no casualties or disruptions to the refinery's operations or supplies of petroleum and derivatives. While Saudi officials did not immediately blame any specific group for the attack, Al-Houthi rebels frequently launch missiles and weaponized drones toward Saudi Arabia and are likely responsible for the incident.

Additional cross-border attacks are almost certain to target Saudi Arabia over the coming days. Localized disruptions to transport and business operations are possible near weapon fragment impact sites.

Context

Saudi Arabia has been under repeat cross-border attacks since the beginning of the Yemeni conflict in 2015 and will almost certainly be subject to additional attacks for the duration of the conflict. Given the Al-Houthis' entrenched positions in northern Yemen and the Saudi armed forces' apparent inability to defeat them militarily, cross-border launches into the Kingdom's territory will probably continue indefinitely.

Attacks will almost certainly continue to primarily target Asir, Jazan, and Najran provinces along the Saudi-Yemeni border, though longer-range attacks against military bases, civilian areas, and critical infrastructure located deeper within Saudi territory - including targets near Yanbu and Riyadh - will continue to be periodically reported. The rebels use a combination of weaponized drones, with ranges from 15 km (9 miles) to 500 km (310 miles), and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), with ranges from 30 km (19 miles) to 1,000 km (620 miles).

While the Saudi military claims to intercept most attacks, falling post-intercept debris remains a potentially lethal hazard. Previous Al-Houthi cross-border attacks have resulted in civilian casualties; however, most are due to shorter-range mortar and rocket attacks that concentrate near areas within 10 km (6 miles) of the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Advice

If officials report incoming projectile fire or drone activity in the general vicinity, stay indoors away from windows and exterior walls; if possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in Saudi Arabia's border provinces. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.