Abqaiq–khurais attack

Definition

The abqaiq–khurais attack refers to a coordinated drone and missile strike that targeted two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on September 14, 2019. This attack significantly disrupted global oil supplies and highlighted the ongoing proxy conflicts and regional power struggles in the Middle East, primarily involving Iran and its allied groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The abqaiq–khurais attack was one of the most significant attacks on Saudi oil facilities in history, affecting about 5% of the world's oil supply at the time.
2. Iran was widely blamed for orchestrating the attack, although Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, indicating the complexity of regional alliances.
3. The attack led to a sharp spike in oil prices globally, demonstrating how vulnerable global markets are to conflicts in the Middle East.
4. In response to the attack, Saudi Arabia increased its defense measures and sought further military support from the United States to protect its critical infrastructure.
5. This incident exemplified the ongoing use of asymmetric warfare tactics, where non-state actors and proxy groups are utilized to achieve strategic objectives without direct state involvement.

Review Questions

• How did the abqaiq–khurais attack illustrate the dynamics of proxy conflicts in the Middle East?
  • The abqaiq–khurais attack underscored the complexities of proxy conflicts in the region as it involved multiple actors with intertwined interests. While Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strike, it was widely believed that Iran provided support and resources for such operations. This incident highlighted how state actors can engage in conflict indirectly through non-state proxies, making it difficult to assess accountability and intent within these power struggles.
• Discuss the implications of the abqaiq–khurais attack on Saudi Arabia's foreign relations and security strategies.
  • The abqaiq–khurais attack forced Saudi Arabia to reevaluate its security strategies and foreign relations due to its vulnerability exposed by such an impactful assault on critical infrastructure. In seeking assistance from allies like the United States, Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for enhanced military cooperation and defense systems. The attack also intensified Saudi efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region while navigating complex relationships with other Gulf states.
• Evaluate how incidents like the abqaiq–khurais attack contribute to broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and beyond.
  • Incidents like the abqaiq–khurais attack amplify geopolitical tensions by revealing vulnerabilities within national infrastructures and showcasing the impact of proxy warfare. Such attacks not only escalate military responses but also heighten anxieties about energy security globally, leading to increased international scrutiny of regional dynamics. As countries respond with military buildups or alignments, these events have far-reaching consequences that shape alliances, influence economic stability, and drive policies well beyond the immediate conflict zones.

Related terms

Houthi Movement: A political and armed movement from Yemen, known for its military conflict with the Saudi-led coalition and its claims of responsibility for attacks on Saudi infrastructure.

Saudi-Iranian Rivalry: The geopolitical struggle for influence in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority state, and Iran, a Shia-majority state, characterized by various proxy conflicts across the region.

Oil Infrastructure: The facilities and systems involved in the extraction, refining, and distribution of oil, crucial to economies in the Gulf region and a key target in regional conflicts.