Houthis Strike Saudi Capital and Oil Facilities in Escalating Regional Conflict
The Houthi movement in Yemen claimed to have attacked 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, and oil facilities in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The strikes are part of a monthslong campaign by the Houthis against Saudi-backed forces. Residents reported explosions overnight in Riyadh, with a column of black smoke and flames visible near King Khalid International Airport.
The Houthi armed forces have been targeting Aramco infrastructure in Yanbu, which is crucial for crude exports. The group has also claimed strikes on Aramco sites in Jizan and Najran, as well as Saudi military airbases. The Houthis say their attacks are retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Houthi-held territory in Yemen.
The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people inside Yemen, with thousands more crossing the Red Sea to Djibouti. The Houthis have also declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, adding strain to a shipping corridor already disrupted by regional conflict.