by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Global oil prices surged Wednesday after Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike against Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery, as a separate investigation revealed evidence that Russian reconnaissance satellites may have helped Iranian-backed militias target dozens of strategic facilities across the kingdom.
Brent crude futures climbed 1.4% to $115.47 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose to $101.33, reflecting mounting fears that attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure could further disrupt global oil supplies.
The Houthis claimed they targeted Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, a major facility on the Persian Gulf capable of processing approximately 550,000 barrels of oil daily. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the attack or the extent of any damage, leaving questions about its operational impact.
Russian Satellites Linked to Iranian Proxy Attacks
The latest developments follow an Associated Press investigation revealing that Russian military satellites repeatedly positioned themselves over Saudi oil installations and military facilities before precision attacks by Iranian-backed militias.
Geneva-based AURORAH Geosignal Intelligence examined 40 missile and drone strikes carried out between July 1 and October 19 by Yemen’s Houthis and Iraqi militias. Investigators identified a consistent pattern of Russian satellite activity around targeted locations before and after the attacks.
The investigation included a September strike against pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s 746-mile East-West Pipeline, a critical alternative for transporting oil to the Red Sea while Iranian threats have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Another attack struck King Fahd Air Base in Taif, damaging an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
AURORAH identified 72 Russian reconnaissance satellites and recorded a roughly 50% increase in satellite activity surrounding certain attacks.
Saudi officials and a senior Houthi figure told AP that Iranian advisers had supplied Russian-derived intelligence to allied militias, although investigators acknowledged they had not directly intercepted the transfer of satellite information.
Growing Threat to Global Energy Security
The findings raise serious questions about Moscow’s role in the widening Middle East conflict and the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline has become increasingly important as Iranian threats to maritime shipping complicate oil exports through the Persian Gulf. Attacks against pumping stations, refineries and military installations threaten not only Saudi Arabia’s economy but also international energy markets.
The latest refinery strike claim underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure, while the satellite investigation suggests that Iranian-backed militias may be benefiting from sophisticated foreign intelligence capabilities far beyond their own reconnaissance resources.
With crude prices already above $115 a barrel, further disruptions could intensify inflationary pressures and increase the economic consequences of the regional conflict.
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