Saudi Arabia reported successfully intercepting two drones headed toward the Shaybah oil field on Thursday. The facility has been targeted again amid tensions with Iran.
A spokesperson for the Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed on X that the intercepted drones were destroyed before reaching the oil field. The Shaybah oil field is a critical site for the country’s oil production and exports.
This comes a day after Saudi Arabia prevented several other drone attacks on the facility. Authorities have emphasized the importance of protecting this key infrastructure from ongoing threats.
The attacks are part of a wider Iranian campaign affecting global energy markets. Retaliatory missile and drone strikes have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about a fifth of global crude oil.
Oil prices have reacted sharply to these developments. Following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, prices surged. On Thursday, oil rose more than nine percent, breaking above $100 per barrel despite a record release of 400 million barrels from International Energy Agency (IEA) reserves.
The IEA had authorized this release to stabilize the market after heightened tensions caused volatility in global oil supply. However, fresh attacks and threats, including the intercepted drones, continue to drive uncertainty.
The Shaybah oil field, located near the UAE border, is operated by Saudi Aramco. Aramco is one of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization and plays a key role in global oil supply.
Experts say the repeated drone attacks, even when intercepted, highlight the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region. Security measures have been intensified to prevent further disruptions.
Saudi authorities continue to monitor the skies and employ advanced air defence systems to neutralize any threats. The intercepted drones demonstrate the effectiveness of these systems while signaling ongoing regional instability.
Officials have urged international partners to remain vigilant as tensions in the Middle East continue to influence global oil markets. The protection of energy infrastructure remains a top priority for Saudi Arabia.
In other news read more about: Pakistan Downs 77 Indian Drones, Confirm Security Sources
