On September 14, 2019, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a substantial drone attack on two crucial oil facilities in Saudi Arabia: the Abqaiq processing facility and the Khurais oil field. This attack is notable not only for its scale but also for its implications on the global oil market and regional politics. The Houthis claimed that the strikes were aimed at retaking what they described as the legitimate right against Saudi aggression in Yemen. The use of drones in this context reflects a marked evolution in asymmetric warfare, showcasing how non-state actors have adapted advanced technology to challenge state militaries.

The Abqaiq facility was integral to Saudi Arabia's oil refining and processing operations, and the damage inflicted resulted in an immediate reduction of approximately 5.7 million barrels per day, which constituted over half of the kingdom's oil production at the time. This event precipitated a spike in global oil prices, adding to the already volatile economic landscape influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. In response, Saudi officials vowed to retaliate, and the attack further fueled tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, particularly as the Houthis are widely regarded as an Iranian proxy.

The attack drew international condemnation, sparking discussions in multiple forums, including the United Nations Security Council, about the security of energy infrastructure in the Middle East. The U.S. blamed Iran for orchestrating the strikes through the Houthi rebels while Iran denied any involvement. This incident underscored the vulnerability of critical global energy infrastructure and catalyzed discussions on energy policies and military strategies across the globe, signaling an urgent need for countries dependent on oil imports to reconsider their energy security frameworks.