Saudi Defense Minister Coordinates Security After Houthi Infrastructure Attacks
Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with NATO and Western defense ministers to coordinate regional security following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil refineries and airports.
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman conducted a series of telephone calls on October 30, 2026, with international defense leaders to coordinate regional security and military cooperation. In discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the two focused on international security, regional stability, and freedom of navigation.
These diplomatic efforts followed claims by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree that the militia conducted six operations targeting Saudi infrastructure. The attacks reportedly hit the Ras Tanura and Rabigh oil refineries, the Aramco facility in Buqayq, and airports in Riyadh and Dammam. Saree characterized these operations as responses to Saudi aggression and blockades in Yemen.
Prince Khalid also held separate talks with the defense ministers of Germany, Spain, and Canada to address evolving regional developments and bilateral defense cooperation. During the call with Canada, the minister extended condolences regarding the deaths of military service members following a fire at a Canadian Forces base in Alberta Province.
Simultaneously, the Yemeni armed forces called for an urgent international investigation into allegations that Houthi forces committed war crimes by using shells containing toxic substances in Taiz.
