Houthis Launch Large-Scale Attacks on Saudi Arabia's Capital

Yemen's Houthi group has launched large-scale attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting the capital Riyadh and Yanbu, a major industrial and energy hub. The attacks involved 'a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,' according to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea.

The first operation targeted what Sarea described as 'sensitive targets' in Riyadh, while the second struck a facility belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu. The group claimed that large fires broke out at the targeted sites.

Saudi authorities had issued an aerial threat alert for Riyadh before announcing that the danger had passed. However, some flights were delayed due to the incidents. The Saudi-led coalition said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh and thwarted attacks on Baish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu.

The Houthi group denied intentionally targeting civilians, stating that the attacks were in response to intensified Saudi airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen. The spokesperson vowed to continue retaliatory operations under an 'escalation for escalation' strategy until Saudi airstrikes cease and restrictions on Yemen are lifted.