Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed to have struck oil facilities in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to reports from China Central Television and other media outlets, the Houthi armed forces issued a statement on Saturday local time, stating that they launched multiple ballistic missiles and drones at targets belonging to Saudi Aramco in Riyadh.

The statement said that the operation 'successfully achieved its objectives,' 'hit the intended targets and triggered fires.' Eyewitnesses reported large plumes of smoke and flames rising near Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh early Saturday.

The Houthi rebels have been at odds with Saudi Arabia, which backs the Yemeni government, and the conflict has intensified in recent weeks. Last week, the Houthis claimed to have struck Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu using missiles and drones.

The latest attack comes as hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels continue to escalate. On October 2, local time, two U.S. officials revealed that Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government forces are planning to launch a large-scale offensive against the Houthis in the coming days.