Houthis Strike Oil Facility Near Riyadh as Conflict Intensifies

The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil facility near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. The claim was made after an AFP journalist witnessed flames and smoke rising from Aramco's refinery south of Riyadh. Meanwhile, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa with 26 airstrikes.

The Houthis' Al-Masirah channel reported that 'Saudi enemy aircraft' had hit Sanaa, but did not provide details on targets or casualties. Two correspondents in Sanaa reported hearing loud explosions and seeing warplanes firing missiles at the city.

The conflict between the Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government of Yemen has intensified in recent weeks. The Houthis have taken control of coastal regions along the Bab al-Mandab strait, and have launched attacks on Saudi targets including oil infrastructure and the capital Riyadh.