NASA FIRMS/VIIRS satellite data detected multiple fire hotspots at the Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jazan, according to reports. The fires follow a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure earlier today in retaliation for Saudi strikes on Hodeidah.
New satellite data from NASA's FIRMS/VIIRS system, captured at 12:39 Jerusalem, confirms multiple fire hotspots at the Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jazan, verifying that fires ignited by earlier Houthi strikes are still burning. The detection provides independent, publicly available corroboration of the damage reported since the morning.
The Houthi campaign began with a launch of ballistic missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia, first reported by The Zioneer at 04:36 Jerusalem. At 08:52, a ballistic missile and drone strike directly hit the Aramco Jazan refinery, causing a fire, with the Saudi energy ministry reporting no casualties. By 10:32, unverified reports indicated the Houthis had bombed the Saudi port of Yanbu, the Khalid Air Base, and Aramco facilities in Jazan. At 10:38, the Houthi-affiliated Abu Ali Express reported a strike on the port of Jizan that damaged oil refineries, and at 12:01 further strikes on Jazan and Yanbu provinces were reported. The 12:39 NASA satellite reading now confirms that the Jazan refinery fires are ongoing.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the Houthi attacks are framed as retaliation for Saudi strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The strikes are part of a broader escalation that has included attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden in recent days, reported by The Zioneer on July 23.
The extent of damage to the refinery and any casualties remain unconfirmed. The satellite data confirms fire activity but does not reveal the scale of destruction or human impact.
6 developments
- DevelopingHouthis reportedly bomb Saudi port, air base, and Aramco facilities in coordinated strikes
- StrongHouthis strike Saudi port of Jizan, reportedly hitting oil refineries
- StrongNASA satellite imagery shows fire near Isa Air Base in Bahrain after Iranian missile attack
- StrongNASA satellite imagery identifies fire at Sirik port after US strikes
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