JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A raging fire has erupted at an oil depot in Jiddah ahead of a Formula One race in the Saudi city, according to videos, with Yemen’s Houthis rebels acknowledging they had launched a series of attacks on the kingdom.
While Saudi Arabia and its state-run oil behemoth Saudi Aramco does not immediately acknowledge the blaze, it appeared to be centered on the same fuel depot that the Houthis had attacked in recent days.
The North Jiddah Bulk Plant sits just southeast of the city’s international airport, a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Videos of the blaze corresponded to known geographic features around the plant.
The Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Saudi Aramco, does not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Those at the F1 track could see the large black smoke cloud in the distance. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.
The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday, though concerns had been raised by some over the recent attacks targeting the kingdom.
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