Houthis Target Saudi Oil Facility Amid Escalating Hostilities
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have escalated hostilities against Saudi Arabia by targeting an oil facility near Riyadh, according to reports. The attack is a response to Saudi strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa, which were sparked by the Houthis' seizure of coastal regions along the Bab al-Mandab Strait last month.
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said they targeted an oil facility in Riyadh with ballistic missiles and drones. The attack reportedly sparked fires at the targeted site. Saudi authorities confirmed that flames and smoke were seen rising from an Aramco facility south of Riyadh on Saturday afternoon.
The conflict has worsened humanitarian conditions in Yemen, where three-quarters of the population is unable to meet its basic food needs, according to the World Food Programme. The renewed fighting has also intensified in Taiz, with dozens reported killed on Friday by sources on both sides.