Houthis Target Riyadh for First Time in Yemen Conflict
The conflict in Yemen has escalated further as the Houthi rebels launched strikes on Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, for the first time. The group claimed that their attacks targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and oil facilities in the port city of Yanbu.
A large plume of smoke was seen near Riyadh's international airport after a fuel tank emblazoned with the Aramco logo caught fire. The incident led to major issues at the airport, including cancellations and delays.
The Houthi rebels have been fighting against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since July. This week saw the group launch dozens of retaliatory strikes on areas under Riyadh's control in the Red Sea coast. The US approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, with the aim of helping Riyadh 'deter current and future threats.'