Strategic Objectives Behind Attacks on Energy Facilities in the Middle East

While the attacks by the Houthis in Yemen targeting critical energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and around Riyadh raise tensions in the region, the global and regional strategic calculations behind these developments have been brought to the table.

Wave of Attacks Targeting Oil Facilities

In the latest wave of attacks launched by the Houthis in Yemen against Saudi Arabia, Aramco facilities in Yanbu were targeted with UAVs. Explosion sounds were also heard at key points in Riyadh, and activity was observed around King Khalid Airport.

As the targeting of energy facilities gives a new dimension to the tension in the region, the timing of the attacks and the actors behind them stand out as striking details.

Global Oil Markets and the Economic Dimension

Stating that the developments are not a coincidence, strategist Murat Akan pointed out that on the days the Houthis hit oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine also launched attacks on Russia's oil facilities.

Expressing that the conflicts in the Middle East also have an economic warfare dimension, Akan pointed to the existence of mechanisms making profits through oil and gold prices in global markets.

Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and Timing

When focusing on the timing of the attacks, the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia on August 7 comes to the forefront.

The regular and systematic targeting of Saudi Arabia by the Houthis following the signing of this agreement is evaluated as an effort to discredit the agreement.

Abraham Accords and Squeezing Strategy

It is stated that Israel is trying to corner Saudi Arabia to force the country to join the Abraham Accords.

It is noted that Saudi Arabia is left in a helpless position against the attacks and steered toward signing the agreement, and that groundwork is being laid with these moves in the region where holy sites are located.