KSA reports fresh drone attacks

Saudi Arabia has reported a series of drone attacks targeting its economically and religiously significant regions, with the Saudi-led coalition claiming to have intercepted and destroyed several drones, including one over the holy city of Medina.

A drone was detected and shot down in the country’s eastern region, while another targeting the south was also destroyed, according to the coalition. On Friday (October 30), it also claimed to have intercepted a Houthi-launched drone over the Medina region.

The incidents come amid renewed tensions between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The coalition has been supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, while the Houthis control the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of the country.

According to a report by Sama TV, tensions between the coalition and the Houthis are escalating again amid the ongoing US-Israeli war centred on Iran.

Concerns over oil infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s eastern region is a major pillar of the country’s economy, holding most of its oil and gas reserves. The headquarters of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco is also located there.

The latest series of drone attacks has raised concerns over the security of the country’s energy infrastructure.

Several attacks have been reported in the eastern region over the past few weeks. Earlier this month, reports emerged that an attack had caused extensive damage to Saudi Aramco’s headquarters.
Houthi involvement disputed

On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition claimed to have detected and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis over the Medina region. However, the Houthis denied involvement in the attack.

Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities, receives millions of Muslim visitors from around the world every year. The reported drone interception over the city has added to concerns over Saudi Arabia’s security situation.