Riyadh, March 2 (SANA) Saudi Aramco partially shut down operations at its Ras Tanura oil refinery on Monday as a precaution after debris from intercepted drones sparked a small fire near the facility, authorities said.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said refinery units were halted after debris from two drones, which were intercepted before reaching their target, fell in the vicinity and caused a limited blaze. Emergency crews quickly contained the fire and no injuries were reported.
The ministry said fuel supplies to domestic markets were not affected, although some operational units were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
The Defense Ministry said two drones attempting to strike the refinery were intercepted and destroyed. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki told Al Arabiya television that debris from the downed drones caused a minor fire that was swiftly brought under control.
The incident comes days after a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iranian territory, amid a broader escalation that has seen Iranian missile and drone attacks reported across several Gulf states.
R.A
