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Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Will Go on Despite Nearby Rebel Missile Attack

IMAGO / HochZwei

Formula One confirmed that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go on as planned Sunday despite the ongoing conflict in the country.

Several miles away from the Jeddah street circuit, an Aramco oil depot went up in fames as a large plume of black smoke filled the air. It was visible from the track during the opening practice session.

A spokesperson for the Houthis rebels in Yemen, who receive military and financial support from Iran, later claimed responsibility for the attack with missiles. According to The New York Times, the group said it also launched other targeted attacks on oil facilities, but state-run media in Saudi Arabia said only the one in Jeddah appeared to cause significant damage.