Yemen rebels have said they started a fire that broke out 12 miles from an F1 race circuit in Saudi Arabia.

A huge plume of black smoke and flames could be seen rising over the Red Sea city where the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is taking place this weekend in Jeddah, an eyewitness said.

Unverified videos shared on social media showed fire raging in oil tanks in an Aramco facility on the outskirts of Jeddah.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea later said the group launched missiles on Friday at Aramco’s facilities in Jeddah and drones at the Ras Tanura and Rabigh refineries, and that it had also targeted “vital facilities” in the capital Riyadh.

Following a meeting between the FIA and the drivers and teams, it was announced the race weekend would still continue.

An F1 spokesperson said: “Formula One has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams.”

A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company added: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco Distribution Station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in direct contract with the Saudi security authorities as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the grand prix as well as drivers, teams and stakeholders.

Formula One: Salesforce revs up global profile with $100m F1 partnership

Ukraine invasion: Haas Formula One team cuts ties with Russian sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin

Ukraine invasion: Everton cuts ties with Russian sponsors, including firm owned by oligarch Alisher Usmanov

“The race weekend will continue as planned.”

The fire came days after another attack on an oil depot in Jeddah, where Yemen’s Houthis rebels also acknowledged they launched a series of attacks on the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia will not hold responsibility for any shortage of oil supplies in global markets caused by Houthi attacks on its oil facilities, the Saudi energy ministry said following the attack.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who are battling the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, have intensified attacks on energy facilities in the kingdom, the world’s largest oil exporter.

This week, Riyadh said it would not bear responsibility for any global oil supply disruptions resulting from such attacks.

Related posts:

How India is turning to social media to save lives during latest COVID surge China censors social media posts about Chloe Zhao’s Oscars win Hopes for ‘revival’ of Chernobyl site 35 years on from nuclear disaster Three arrested over Italy cable car crash as probe finds temporary repair stopped brake working Biden calls for intelligence agencies to probe origins of COVID – saying China has not been transparent enough UK evacuates over 10,000 from Kabul – as every effort being made to airlift thousands more Afghans, says commander Gunman kills four in diplomatic quarter of Tanzania’s main city Former Catalan independence leader Carles Puigdemont arrested in Italy ‘An era comes to an end’: Germany wants fresh leadership despite being unconvinced by the options State funeral set to be held for Desmond Tutu – with reports anti-apartheid hero will be aquamated Canadian truckers protest COVID mandate as some demonstrators dance on war memorials Italian president secures re-election that will keep him in post until he’s 87