Saudi narrative questioned after conflicting accounts over oil infrastructure attack
SANAA, July 27 (YPA) – In a development highlighting apparent confusion within Saudi decision-making circles, Riyadh found itself facing conflicting accounts following an aerial attack on oil supply routes in eastern and western Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Saudi authorities quickly accused Iraqi groups linked to Iran of being behind the operation, before Sanaa officially and directly claimed responsibility, placing the Saudi narrative under scrutiny and raising questions over the reasons behind the immediate attribution of blame to external actors.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense swiftly announced that it had intercepted and downed several drones, claiming they were launched from Iraqi territory in an attempt to target vital oil facilities in the Eastern Province and the Riyadh area.
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At the same time, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning what it described as attacks by Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq, calling on the Iraqi government to assume its responsibilities, assert control over its territory, and warning that Riyadh reserved the right to respond.
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Observers viewed the move as an attempt to shift attention away from the repercussions of the attack and the controversy surrounding it.
However, the Saudi account was quickly challenged after Yemen’s military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sarie announced that Sanaa forces had directly carried out the operation.
He stated that the Yemeni drone force targeted sensitive points within the crude oil supply and transportation network extending from eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu port, describing the attack as a response to Saudi drone violations of Yemeni airspace.
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The contrast between the Saudi account and the Yemeni announcement highlighted a notable discrepancy, reopening questions over the accuracy of Riyadh’s accusations and underscoring the confusion surrounding its handling of the attack, amid growing concerns over security challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure as tensions with Sana’a continue to escalate.
AA