Yemen’s Houthi group has launched missile and drone attacks against sensitive locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in explosions and a fire near King Khalid International Airport. The attack prompted Saudi authorities to issue air raid alerts across the capital and other cities, marking the first warnings since the conflict with the Houthis escalated in July.
According to Saudi Arabia’s military coalition, air defenses successfully intercepted a missile targeting Riyadh. Emergency crews were dispatched to manage a fire involving a fuel tank near the airport, and an all-clear was later announced. The Houthis have stated that these attacks are retaliation for Saudi military operations against them in Yemen, where they claim Saudi forces have conducted hundreds of airstrikes recently.
The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns over the safety of civilians and critical energy infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. The United Nations Security Council has condemned the Houthi attacks, particularly those affecting civilian and energy facilities, and has called for measures to prevent the group from acquiring more weapons and military support.
This escalation also raises fears about potential disruptions to shipping and energy supplies through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital international maritime route. The broader conflict persists amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and their allies. In response, Washington has advised its citizens in the region to exercise increased caution.