Saudi Arabia has ordered the evacuation of civilians from the Al-Sabaha central facility, operated by the Yemen Oil Company in western Sanaa, in preparation for a military operation described as significant. This escalation follows recent Houthi attacks targeting Riyadh and King Khalid International Airport, raising concerns about potential repercussions for air traffic and vital infrastructure.
The spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Malki, stated that the evacuation notice applies to the specific location marked on an accompanying map, emphasizing that the directive is intended to ensure civilian safety. Al-Malki had previously announced that a warning would be issued for a Sanaa site prior to the operation.
The Al-Sabaha central facility holds strategic importance as one of Yemen's primary fuel derivative storage sites, situated in the Al-Sabaha district on Sanaa's western outskirts. Unconfirmed reports from informed sources indicate that the facility contains large fuel storage tanks and serves both civilian and military needs in Houthi-controlled areas, constituting a significant economic resource for the group.
Information suggests that the Houthis emptied a portion of the facility's stored contents in March, transferring them to tankers belonging to the Yemen Oil Company and private entities, anticipating potential airstrikes. However, the tanks have reportedly been refilled in recent months and are currently full. The facility's location and the nature of its reserves make it a crucial asset for the Houthi movement's economic and logistical calculations. The Saudi side has not yet disclosed specific details of the impending operation or its intended targets, beyond the evacuation order and a warning to stay clear of the designated area.
In a reciprocal move, Reuters reported that the Houthis are instructing employees and citizens near Saudi Aramco facilities to evacuate, reflecting escalating mutual warnings concerning vital installations amidst ongoing attacks and threats. Saudi Arabia announced on Monday the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh, with Al-Malki vowing a firm response to the attack on King Khalid International Airport.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport following the attacks, implementing additional precautionary measures for aviation safety. Concurrently, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has advised airlines to exercise caution when traveling to or transiting Saudi airspace due to risks associated with military activity and potential interference with navigation systems. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has also mandated that American government personnel obtain special authorization before using any airport within Saudi Arabia, expanding previous precautionary measures in light of the escalating Houthi attacks on the Kingdom's airports.
