Athens has confirmed that a Greek Patriot missile battery stationed in Saudi Arabia successfully intercepted an attack launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels on a major refinery in the Yanbu area. The battery, part of the Hellenic Force in Saudi Arabia, also shot down a drone approaching from Yemeni territory shortly after.
The deployment is part of the “Integrated Air Missile Defense Concept,” an initiative aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia's air defences. The programme involves several European nations and reflects a broader effort to protect critical infrastructure in the Gulf region from missile and drone threats.
Houthi retaliation and Saudi response
Earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the southern Saudi city of Jizan. Houthi-affiliated media channels on Telegram reported that the attack caused fires in the city, though Riyadh did not immediately comment. Saudi Arabia's civil protection agency issued brief warnings to residents of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday.
The Houthi strikes came after the Saudi-led coalition carried out retaliatory operations against Houthi military installations in Yemen. Coalition spokesperson Air Vice-Marshal Turki al-Maliki stated that the operation was a response to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, describing the coalition's action as “decisive and forceful.” He added that the military operation had now been completed.
The Houthis accused Riyadh of a “dangerous escalation.” A Yemeni security source told AFP that a naval base in the port of Hodeidah and a military camp on the island of Kamaran were among the Saudi targets.
This week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi vessels, with Saudi Arabia confirming one of the incidents in the Red Sea. The ongoing disruptions to shipping lanes have raised concerns in European capitals about the security of energy supplies and trade routes. The Houthi threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait continues to pose a risk to global shipping and European trade.
Greece's role in the air defence mission underscores the growing involvement of European states in Middle Eastern security arrangements. The Patriot system, operated by Greek personnel, is one of several European contributions to the Integrated Air Missile Defense Concept, which also includes contributions from other EU member states.
The incident highlights the persistent volatility in the region, where Iran-backed Houthi forces have repeatedly targeted Saudi infrastructure and commercial shipping. For European readers, the episode serves as a reminder of the interconnected security challenges that link the Gulf to the continent's energy and economic interests.
