Fire at Aramco's Jizan refinery after Houthi strike, with NASA satellite data recording the hotspots

A fire was reported on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at Saudi Aramco's oil refinery in Jizan. NASA's FIRMS satellite monitoring system recorded multiple thermal hotspots at the site, and published imagery showed thick plumes of smoke. Regional media reported at least five explosions in Jizan, and a number of commercial flights changed course.

The Houthi-run Yemeni Armed Forces said in a statement dated 25 July that they had carried out two separate operations with dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones against Aramco-affiliated facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operations had achieved their objectives. The group framed the strikes as a response to Saudi-led coalition air raids on the city and port of Hodeidah and on Kamaran Island on Friday night, and said its declared naval blockade of Saudi Arabia remains in effect. Saudi Civil Defense issued a potential danger warning early Saturday for residents of Yanbu and Jazan and lifted it shortly afterwards; there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

What matters for energy markets is Saudi Arabia's crude export route. Kpler shipping data carried by Agence France-Presse show that in April and May 2026 all of Saudi Arabia's seaborne crude exports left from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, a share of 92 percent in June and 78 percent so far in July. That route has become doubly important since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.