Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for launching missile and drone attacks on Riyadh, targeting sensitive sites in Saudi Arabia’s capital. This development comes amid heightened tensions and reported explosions near King Khalid International Airport, where flames and thick black smoke were observed.
Saudi authorities responded by issuing air raid alerts across Riyadh and multiple cities, marking a significant escalation as these were the first such warnings since conflict with the Houthis intensified in July. The Saudi military coalition confirmed intercepting a missile aimed at the capital and later gave an all-clear signal.
The Houthi group stated that these attacks were a retaliation against Saudi Arabia’s aggressive military operations in Yemen, which reportedly included hundreds of airstrikes over recent days. This ongoing conflict has raised alarms over the safety of civilian and energy infrastructure within Saudi Arabia.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the Houthi attacks that threaten civilian and energy facilities, urging action to prevent the group from acquiring more weapons and military aid. The wider conflict has also sparked concerns about the security of shipping and energy supplies in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime route.
Regional tensions are further exacerbated by the involvement of Iran, the United States, and their respective allies. The U.S. has advised its citizens in the region to exercise increased caution as the situation continues to develop.