Watch: Raging fire, large smoke clouds at Saudi Oil Depot near Jiddah F1 Race Venue

Videos surfaced on social media showing raging fire and large smoke clouds at a Saudi Arabia oil depot after it was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Friday. The attack came ahead of a Formula 1 race.

“We did several attacks with drones and ballistic missiles,” the Iran-backed Huthi rebels said in a statement, including an “Aramco installation in Jiddah (and) vital installations in Riyadh.”

The North Jiddah Bulk Plant, near the city’s airport, is a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. The attack comes days after a similar attack on the oil depot.

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Saudi Arabia’s state TV called the incident a “hostile operation.” 

Smoke billowed near Jeddah’s F1 track as drivers took part in practice runs. Red Bull’s world champion Max Verstappen said that he could smell the blaze as he drove.

“I can smell burning… is it my car?” the Dutchman asked over team radio.

The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday.

“Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today,” the series said in a statement. “The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”

Later on Friday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the group attacked Aramco’s facilities with missiles and the Ras Tanura and Rabigh refineries with drones.

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Facilities of oil giant Aramco were also attacked in Jizan, Najran, Ras Tanura and Rabigh with “a large number of drones,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Arab Coalition announced in a statement on Friday stated that Saudi Arabia’s defenses destroyed nine explosive-laden drones launched by Houthis. The drones were launched towards the southern, eastern and central regions of the Kingdom, an official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report stated.