Houthis Attempt Ballistic Missile Strike on Saudi Capital

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack its capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said the attempt was made early on Saturday and was intercepted.

The Houthis claimed they had targeted 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities of oil giant Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, causing 'massive fires'. However, there were no reports of casualties or damage. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims.

This marks the first time Riyadh has been targeted since the escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The conflict has opened a new front in the Iran war and has brought new pressures for markets. Regional officials have told the AP that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has asked France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt for air defense support.