Comprehensive News | Multiple Countries in the Middle East Report Attacks on Energy Facilities by Iran
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 19 - According to reports from Xinhua's foreign correspondents: Multiple countries in the Middle East reported on the 19th that their energy facilities were attacked by Iranian missiles and drones. On the same day, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Khatam al-Anbia, stated that Iran has no intention of expanding the war to oil facilities and does not wish to harm the economies of neighboring countries.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated on social media that a drone crashed near the Samref refinery in Yanbu, close to the Red Sea coast, and an assessment of the damage is currently underway. Additionally, a ballistic missile aimed at Yanbu was intercepted.
Kuwait National Petroleum Company issued a statement saying that its Ahmadi Port refinery was attacked by a drone and caught fire. The company is currently "handling the situation according to the highest safety standards," and there have been no reports of casualties from the fire.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office in the UAE confirmed that the country's Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field were affected by debris falling from intercepted incoming missiles. The Habshan gas facility has been temporarily shut down. There are currently no reports of casualties.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior and QatarEnergy stated that the Ras Laffan Industrial City in the country caught fire due to an Iranian missile attack, causing extensive damage, with no reports of casualties. Shell Group released a statement saying that the attack led to a fire at its facility in the area. The situation has been brought under control, and damage assessments are ongoing. According to Al Jazeera, Ras Laffan Industrial City is home to the world's largest liquefied natural gas production facility.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on social media that Saudi Arabia convened a meeting with representatives from multiple countries, asserting that these attacks violate the sovereignty of other nations and breach international law, calling for Iran to immediately cease its attacks.
The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Khatam al-Anbia, stated that attacking Iranian energy infrastructure is a "serious mistake." He emphasized that if Iranian energy infrastructure is attacked again, Iran's response will be more severe than before.
Al Jazeera cited industry analysis stating that due to the threats of war from Israel and the United States against Iran, global natural gas supplies could see a spike in European gas prices this winter. Even if tensions quickly ease, supply disruptions may persist for an extended period.
Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in multiple Middle Eastern countries on March 19, 2023. The attacks affected locations including Yanbu, Ahmadi, and Ras Laffan, causing fires and damage to infrastructure. Saudi Arabia reported a drone crash at the Samref refinery, while Kuwait's Ahmadi refinery was also targeted. In response, Saudi Arabia called for a multinational meeting to address the violations of sovereignty and international law by Iran.
- Iran launched missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in multiple Middle Eastern countries.
- Saudi Arabia reported a drone crash at the Samref refinery near Yanbu.
- Kuwait's Ahmadi refinery was attacked by drones, causing a fire.
- Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial city suffered significant damage from missile strikes.
- Saudi Arabia convened a meeting of multiple nations to address the attacks.