Houthis claim missile and drone attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu energy sites
The claims have not been independently verified, while smoke near Riyadh airport and reported flight disruptions followed air-raid alerts.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has claimed it launched ballistic and cruise missiles and drones at sites in Riyadh and facilities operated by Aramco near Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea said the attacks targeted “sensitive sites” and were retaliation for alleged Saudi strikes on Sanaa. Saudi authorities had not officially confirmed the attacks, damage or any casualties in the material supplied.
The BBC reported that a column of black smoke was seen near King Khalid International Airport after air-raid alerts were issued. An AFP journalist reportedly saw firefighters tackling a burnt-out Aramco fuel tank, although the cause, location and extent of the fire remained unconfirmed.
Saudi Civil Defence reportedly issued warnings to residents before an all-clear was given. FlightRadar24 reported delays and cancellations at the airport, while apparent explosions were heard in Riyadh, according to reports cited by the BBC.
The claims come amid an escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The International Organization for Migration said more than 104,796 people had been displaced by recent fighting, while disruption to Saudi oil infrastructure and Red Sea shipping has heightened concern about energy supplies and prices.
