Houthis Claim First Direct Strike on Riyadh Amid Escalating Saudi Attacks

Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting sites in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Saturday, marking what appears to be their first reported attack directly on the city since tensions with Saudi Arabia escalated in July. The claim came hours after large plumes of smoke and visible flames were seen near Riyadh’s main international airport, reportedly close to fuel storage facilities.

Saudi authorities had issued overnight alerts warning residents of Riyadh and a nearby city about potential aerial attack risks before later declaring an all-clear. Witnesses in the capital reported hearing explosions before the alert was lifted.

Attacks Extend Beyond the Capital

The Houthis also claimed to have targeted an oil facility in the Red Sea city of Yanbu, a key export hub for Saudi energy shipments. Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh and reported thwarting additional attacks targeting several other Saudi cities, though no damage was confirmed in those incidents.

Broader Regional Conflict Widens

This escalation represents an expanding front in the wider regional conflict that began with earlier US and Israeli strikes against Iran. The Houthis have been targeting Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping routes since declaring a naval blockade in July, adding further strain to global oil markets already affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts

The US State Department issued a security alert urging Americans in the region to exercise increased caution. Meanwhile, Turkey signaled potential military support for Saudi Arabia under a recently signed trilateral defense agreement, while Iranian officials expressed hope for ending hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, noting ongoing diplomatic consultations with international mediators.

The UN Security Council recently condemned the continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, citing harm to civilians and critical infrastructure.