On October 3, 2026, multiple reports and unverified social media footage showed a large fire and thick smoke rising from Saudi Aramco's refinery in Riyadh. NASA's FIRMS satellite data also indicated unusual thermal activity at the site.
Saudi authorities and Aramco had not officially confirmed the incident. Several sources attributed it to a possible Houthi strike amid escalating regional tensions, but the cause has not been independently verified. The Houthis had not claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.
The extent of damage remains unclear. The refinery has a capacity of about 130,000 barrels per day.