Greek military personnel operating a US Patriot air defence system in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen toward oil refineries in Yanbu, Reuters reported, citing Greek security sources.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Web Desk: Greek military personnel operating a US-made Patriot air defence system in Saudi Arabia shot down two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen on Saturday, according to Reuters, which cited Greek security sources.
The missiles were aimed at oil refineries in Yanbu, a key Saudi coastal city, before being intercepted and destroyed by the Greek-operated air defence unit stationed in the kingdom. Saudi civil defence authorities, anticipating the possibility of an attack, issued an emergency alert in Yanbu and advised residents to remain cautious as the situation unfolded.
Reuters reported that the two missiles launched from Yemen were specifically targeting Yanbu’s oil refining facilities, a claim that was corroborated by a separate source who also confirmed that both missiles had been destroyed mid-air before reaching their intended target.
Greece deployed the US Patriot air defence system in Saudi Arabia under an agreement signed with Riyadh in 2021, with Greek military personnel responsible for operating the system. The deployment was intended to help protect Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure from external threats. Saturday’s interception marked the second occasion on which Greek forces stationed in the kingdom have successfully thwarted an attack using the system.
The incident adds to a series of missile and drone threats targeting Saudi energy facilities in recent months, amid continuing instability linked to the conflict in Yemen and broader tensions across the region. Saudi and Greek authorities have not issued further public comment on the incident beyond the details confirmed to Reuters at the time of publication.
