Saudi-led coalition officials have rejected Houthi claims of an attack on an Aramco facility near Riyadh.
The coalition described the reported strike as propaganda designed to create the impression of a military victory.
Saudi Forces said the announcement was intended to divert attention from Houthi battlefield losses in Yemen. Fighting around Taiz was highlighted in particular.
Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki described the Houthi announcement as an “illusory victory.”
He argued that claims of attacks inside Saudi Arabia were being used to shift attention from developments in Yemen.
Houthis Claim Aramco Facility Was Targeted
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed the group launched ballistic missiles and drones toward an Aramco facility.
The Houthis said the facility was located in or near Riyadh.
According to the group, the operation was retaliation for Saudi-led military strikes in Yemen.
Houthi-run al-Masirah TV also reported the alleged operation.
The group claimed its weapons directly struck their targets and caused fires.
However, Saudi authorities and Aramco did not confirm a successful Houthi strike on the facility.
Reports indicated that smoke and a fire were observed near an Aramco-linked facility south of Riyadh.
Emergency teams reportedly responded to the incident.
However, the reported fire does not establish that a Houthi missile or drone caused it.
Saudi Forces Link Claims to Fighting in Yemen
Saudi Forces presented the disputed attack claim as part of a wider information battle surrounding the Yemen conflict.
Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of attempting to exploit public anger and advance what he described as an Iranian agenda.
Meanwhile, Yemeni government-aligned forces reported extensive military operations against Houthi positions.
Yemeni military spokesman Col. Majid Al-Nuzaili said government forces carried out 257 operations.
He said aircraft, drones, artillery, missiles and rocket launchers were used during those operations.
The reported targets included command centers, weapons depots, troop concentrations and supply routes.
Operations reportedly covered Sanaa, Midi, Baqim, Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Bayda and Lahj.
Taiz was identified as a major focus of the fighting.
Casualty Figures Remain Unverified
Yemeni officials claimed at least 700 Houthi fighters were neutralized during recent operations.
They also claimed around 170 vehicles and other military assets were destroyed.
These figures have not been independently verified.
Government-aligned sources have circulated significantly higher estimates as well.
Some claims suggest around 5,000 Houthi fighters were lost within one week.
Independent confirmation of those figures remains unavailable. Houthi sources have offered different accounts of battlefield casualties.
The Houthis present the alleged Aramco operation as evidence of their ability to threaten strategic Saudi infrastructure.
In contrast, Saudi Forces argue the claim was designed to distract from Houthi setbacks inside Yemen.
The alleged Aramco attack therefore remains disputed.
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Reports of a fire indicate an incident occurred near an Aramco-linked site. However, they do not establish its cause.
