Saudi Arabia intercepts two drones at top oil refinery

Dubai, March 2, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Aramco temporarily shut down some operational units at its Ras Tanura oil refinery near Dammam on Monday after it was targeted by Iranian drones, Saudi state media reported, citing an official source.

Two drones targeting the Ras Tanura facility were intercepted and destroyed, Saudi defense ministry spokesperson Turki al-Malki was quoted as saying by state-run Al Ekhbariya TV.

An official source at the Ministry of Energy said debris from the interception caused limited damage near the refinery at 7:04 a.m., triggering a limited fire that was contained by emergency response teams. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

The refinery has a capacity of about 550,000 barrels a day.

The ministry source said the precautionary shutdown of some units had no impact on the supply of petroleum products to local markets.