Houthi Rebels Attempt Ballistic Missile Strike on Riyadh

Saudi Arabia confirmed on Saturday that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack its capital Riyadh with a ballistic missile, marking the first such attempt since the escalation in fighting between the two sides. The statement from the Saudi-led coalition came after the dawn attack was intercepted, and some residents reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke near the airport. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

The Houthis claimed to have targeted 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities of oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, causing 'massive fires', but these claims could not be independently verified. The conflict has brought new pressures for markets, particularly with the growing tensions near a key global shipping corridor.

The Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed they attacked with cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones, while Saudi Arabia accused them of trying to target Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which was denied by the Houthis. Regional officials revealed that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has sought air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt.

The fighting in Yemen between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government has surged, with the rebels seizing key port cities and islands along the Red Sea coast. The Houthi's improved surveillance of passing ships raises concerns about their ability to target Saudi vessels.