Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis attacked Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery in southwestern Saudi Arabia, according to reports. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated on social media that a drone was used to target the refinery, characterizing the attack as retaliation for the flights of Saudi drones in Yemen's airspace. The Saudi energy ministry reported that a fire broke out at the refinery but was later extinguished with no injuries reported. The Jazan refinery processes 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Capacity of the Jazan refinery that was attacked.
The Houthis have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, citing a Saudi siege, an allegation Riyadh denies. Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer said they would continue to target Saudi forces until the Saudi blockade on Yemen is lifted, as reported.
Mecca Joint Defense Agreement
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three signatories would be regarded as an attack on all. It was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to reports.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the agreement is based on 'collective deterrence' and covers joint projects in defense industry and combating terrorism. The agreement has been referred to as an 'Islamic NATO', though the full text has not yet been published.
The agreement is entirely for defense purposes and does not target any country.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Iranian army has the ability to stand up to 'the world's most expensive army' and called on Muslims to stand together against 'malicious foreign powers'. Tehran argued that the agreement would not guarantee the security of Saudi Arabia.
The Pakistan Ministry of Information stated that the special decoration of the capital (Islamabad) is a sign of brotherhood, mutual trust, defense cooperation, and common determination between the three countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar emphasized that the agreement does not target any country.
Turkish AK Party Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin stated that the agreement is not against any country and does not contradict NATO membership. Turkish IYI Party Group Deputy Chair Turhan Çömez demanded an explanation of the authority under which the agreement was signed, arguing it requires Parliamentary approval under Article 90 of the Constitution. Turkish Yeni Yol Group member Murat Emir claimed that there is no need for Turkey to take on regional risks.
Explosion sounds were reported in the Al-Jubail Industrial City in the east of Saudi Arabia. Missile and drone attacks in the Al-Muha region of Taiz governorate killed 7 people and injured 35 people.
