Yemen’s Houthi forces announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, that they launched a ballistic missile strike against Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the attack caused a fire at the facility, which is the largest refinery in the kingdom. While Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm a hit on the refinery, Bloomberg News reported that a fire near the terminal had been contained, and the maritime security agency Vanguard confirmed a fire occurred but noted the extent of damage was unclear.
The reported strike occurs eight months into a conflict between the United States and Iran. The fighting follows the collapse of a 2022 UN-brokered truce between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis. On Monday, Oct. 26, officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan met with Iranian officials in Tehran in an attempt to reduce hostilities, amid reports from Israel Hayom that Saudi Arabia offered a $1 billion package to secure a ceasefire.
In addition to the refinery, the Houthis claimed to have launched missiles at the Saudi defense ministry building in Riyadh, Abha airport, and military targets in Najran and Khamis Mushait. The Saudi-led coalition reported that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles over Riyadh on Tuesday afternoon. The Saudi Civil Defence stated that falling debris from these interceptions caused material damage to a building, a vehicle, and a construction site in the capital, where air raid alerts were briefly issued.
The conflict affects civilians in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Residents in Al Khobar reported hearing a "very loud bang," while residents in Riyadh experienced air raid sirens and falling shrapnel. Houthi forces also claimed to have repelled Saudi-backed ground forces near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for oil exports. Egypt’s parliament authorized military assistance on Monday to defend Saudi Arabia if requested.
The next steps involve diplomatic and military responses following the Tehran meetings. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Iran on Oct. 26 to encourage dialogue. Future developments depend on whether Saudi Arabia confirms refinery damage and if Egypt or other Mecca Joint Defense Alliance members formally enter the conflict. The ongoing air campaign continues with reported strikes by the Saudi-led coalition on the Yemeni city of Mocha.