Houthi Attacks Target Riyadh and Saudi Energy Sites; Air Defenses Engage Multiple Cities
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones at sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi authorities confirmed intercepting a missile aimed at the capital and reported air defense engagements in several other cities, including Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. The attacks caused temporary flight disruptions at King Khalid International Airport and visible smoke from fuel tanks, though no casualties were officially confirmed by Saudi sources.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting sensitive sites in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as well as energy facilities on the Red Sea coast. The announcement marks a significant escalation in hostilities between the Iran-backed group and the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi authorities stated that they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh on Saturday. While the Houthis claimed successful strikes causing massive fires, Saudi sources reported no confirmed damage or casualties from the attack on the capital. However, a column of black smoke was observed rising from fuel tanks near King Khalid International Airport, leading to temporary disruptions in flights.
The Saudi-led coalition further reported that its air defenses stopped hostile attempts to target civilians in several other locations, including Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea stated that the attacks targeted "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu in response to recent Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa.
This wave of attacks occurs amidst a broader regional conflict involving Iran. Regional officials have reported that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has sought additional air defense support from allies, including France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. The United Nations Security Council condemned the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, noting their impact on civilian and energy infrastructure.
The instability has drawn international attention to safety concerns. The US State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to exercise vigilance and reconsider travel due to potential escalations. Similarly, China's embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert to Chinese citizens and institutions following multiple explosions and alerts in various Saudi cities.
Humanitarian impacts continue to mount in Yemen. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 104,796 people have been displaced by recent fighting. Diplomatic calls for restraint and de-escalation have emerged from various nations, including China and Turkey, as tensions persist across the region.