Houthis Launch Major Attack on Saudi Capital and Oil Facilities
The Houthi militia in Yemen has escalated its conflict with Saudi Arabia, launching a barrage of missiles and drones at the kingdom's capital, Riyadh, and oil facilities. The attack is seen as a significant escalation in the renewed war between the two sides.
Saudi authorities confirmed that the Houthis tried to target Riyadh with a ballistic missile, which was intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis. Some residents reported hearing an explosion, while others saw smoke rising near the airport.
The Houthis claimed they had fired 'a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones' targeting 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities for Saudi Arabia's national oil company in Yanbu. The attacks were allegedly in retaliation for over 700 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, where the kingdom has been backing government forces.
Farea Al-Muslimi, a Yemen specialist at Chatham House, described the attack as 'huge escalation' and said it reflects that the Houthis are not going to stop anywhere, particularly with recent battlefield victories. The group is pursuing a policy of 'escalation for escalation' until Saudi Arabia stops its 'aggression' in Yemen.