Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate; Brent crude settles at 6-month high of $117.64 as US orders embassy staff out
What happened
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed attacks on Thursday against several Saudi oil installations, including the kingdom's largest refinery at Ras Tanura, the Rabigh refinery, and an Aramco production facility in Abqaiq; a Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a cruise missile and ballistic missiles headed toward the kingdom, with debris injuring one civilian in Riyadh. Separately, a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by explosive devices attached by a small boat, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported Friday. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia effective immediately, citing Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
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Start your free 14-day trialWho’s affected
- Energy sector broadly: XOM, CVX, refining names gain on higher crude margins
- Airlines (JETS/UAL/DAL/AAL): fuel-cost pressure from crude above $100
- Consumer staples/retailers: margin risk from elevated energy and freight costs
- Defense contractors: benefit from continued escalation and U.S. force posture in the Gulf