Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Ballistic Missiles Targeting Aramco Facilities in Yanbu
Saudi Arabia’s air defense network, supported by a Greek-operated Patriot missile battery, successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen that were aimed at Saudi Aramco oil facilities in the western city of Yanbu, according to Reuters.
The interception prevented the missiles from reaching their intended targets, underscoring the continued threat posed by cross-border missile attacks on the Kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure. Yanbu is home to major Aramco refining and export facilities that play a vital role in global oil markets.
The Patriot system involved in the operation is operated by Greek military personnel, who were deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2021 as part of a bilateral defense cooperation agreement designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s air and missile defense capabilities.
This marks only the second confirmed combat interception carried out by the Greek-operated Patriot battery since its deployment to Saudi Arabia in 2021, highlighting its growing operational role in protecting strategic Saudi assets from missile threats originating in Yemen.
The latest incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and demonstrates the importance of multinational defense cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure against evolving aerial threats. Saudi authorities have not yet released further details regarding the damage assessment or the specific group responsible for launching the missiles.