Saudi ‘proof’ Iran complicit in attack

DISPLAY: ‘EVIDENCE YOU’VE SEEN MAKES IT UNDENIABLE’

Houthi movement reiterates it is responsible, warning that UAE is in its sights.

Saudi Arabia yesterday displayed remnants of what it described as Iranian drones and cruise missiles used in an attack on Saudi oil facilities, saying they were “undeniable” evidence of Iranian aggression.

A total of 25 drones and missiles were launched at two oil plants in last weekend’s strikes, including Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and “Ya Ali” cruise missiles, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Malki said.

“The attack was launched from the north and unquestionably sponsored by Iran,” he told a news conference. “The evidence ... that you have seen in front of you, makes this undeniable.”

Authorities were still working to determine the exact launch point, Malki said, repeatedly declining to answer questions from reporters about whether Iran actually carried out the attack.

Iran has denied any involvement in the assault that initially halved Saudi Arabia’s oil production. An advisor to Iran’s president tweeted that the press conference proved Saudi Arabia “knows nothing”.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition, has claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Yesterday, the group gave details of the type of drones it said were used in the September 14 attack and warned that the United Arab Emirates was also in its sights.

Malki reiterated that the attack could not have come from Yemen, south of Saudi Arabia, and that the Houthis were “covering up” for Iran.

“The precision impact of the cruise missile indicate advanced capability beyond Iran proxy capacity,” he said. “The targeting direction of the site indicate north to south direction of travel.”

Eighteen drones and three missiles were launched at Abqaiq, home to the world’s largest oil processing facility, but the missiles “fell short”, Malki said.

He said four missiles targeted Khurais, adding that the Ya Ali missiles have a range of 700km and have been used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saria reiterated the movement had carried out the strike, saying it possessed new drones, powered by normal and jet engines, that could reach targets deep inside the “enemy”. – Reuters