Saudi Aramco halts operations at Ras Tanura refinery after drone attack

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery, one of the world’s most important oil processing hubs, experienced a limited fire on Monday morning after debris from intercepted drones fell within its vicinity, according to an official source at the Ministry of Energy.

Authorities said the incident occurred at 7.04 am local time when two drones attempting to strike the facility were intercepted and destroyed. Debris from the interception caused minor damage and ignited a small fire, which emergency teams contained swiftly.

Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You can also find it us on the Huawei AppGallery.

An official source at the Ministry of Energy said the impact remained restricted.

“A limited fire at the Ras Tanura refinery was brought under control following debris from intercepted drones, with no injuries or impact on supplies.”

Precautionary shutdown of some units

Officials confirmed that certain operational units were temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure while safety inspections were carried out. Authorities stressed that these steps were preventive and did not affect the refinery’s ability to meet domestic demand.

“No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the supply of petroleum products to local markets remains uninterrupted,” the official source said.

Ras Tanura plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, serving both domestic energy needs and international export markets. Any disruption at the facility typically attracts close global attention due to its strategic importance.

Defense forces intercept drones

The Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed two drones attempting to target the refinery earlier in the morning. Falling debris from the interception caused the limited fire and minor damage within the facility’s perimeter.

A ministry spokesperson confirmed that some debris also fell near civilian areas and property, though no injuries were reported. Authorities said security forces remain on high alert to protect critical infrastructure and surrounding communities.