Saudi Capital Hit by Houthi Ballistic Missile Attack

Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, was targeted by Yemen's Houthi rebels in a ballistic missile attack on Saturday. According to the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, the missile was intercepted and there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The Houthis claimed they had targeted 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities of Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, causing 'massive fires'. However, Aramco did not respond to a request for comment. The attack on Riyadh is the first since the escalation in fighting with the Tehran-backed rebels.

The conflict has brought new pressures for markets as the growing tensions near another important global shipping corridor have raised concerns. Regional officials have told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and has asked France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt for air defense support.