Houthis say they targeted Saudi capital with ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday, including energy sites on the country’s Red Sea coast. This latest attack is part of an ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi militants and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities confirmed they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh earlier on Saturday, without confirming any further strikes or casualties. However, a column of black smoke was seen rising from fuel tanks near the Saudi capital’s international airport, where flights were disrupted temporarily.
- Houthis launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on Riyadh and energy sites on Red Sea coast.
- Saudi authorities intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh.
- Air raid alerts sounded in Riyadh for the first time since July.
- Fighting between Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces claimed 48 lives on Saturday.
Houthi Statement on Attacks
In a statement posted online, Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea said a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones had been used to attack sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco state oil and gas company facilities in Yanbu on the coast.
He added that the attacks were in response to the Saudi enemy’s criminal attempts to target the Yemeni capital Sanaa, which is currently controlled by the Houthis. Earlier, Sarea had accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out 300 strikes across Yemen during the past week.
Impact on Flights and Residents
A number of apparent explosions were heard in Riyadh, and major problems were reported at King Khalid International Airport, with the tracking website FlightRadar24 reporting delays and cancellations.
An AFP journalist reported that firefighters could be seen trying to extinguish the flames of a burnt-out fuel tank belonging to Aramco. The Saudi Civil Defence had sent out phone alerts overnight warning of potential danger in Riyadh and other regions, before issuing an all-clear on Saturday morning.
Escalating Conflict
The Houthis are locked in a civil war with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. They have attacked targets inside Saudi Arabia on several occasions in recent months, and said this week that they were responsible for downing a Saudi fighter jet over Yemen.
On Friday, the International Organization for Migration, a UN body, reported that the number of people displaced as a result of recent fighting had passed 104,796.
Conclusion
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continues to escalate, with both sides suffering losses. The attacks on Riyadh and energy sites on the Red Sea coast have disrupted flights and caused concern among residents.
Q1: What is the background of the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia?
A1: The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia is part of a larger civil war in Yemen, with the Iran-backed Houthi militants fighting against the internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
Q2: What were the targets of the Houthi attacks on Saturday?
A2: The Houthi attacks on Saturday targeted Riyadh, including energy sites on the Red Sea coast, as well as Aramco state oil and gas company facilities in Yanbu.
Q3: How did Saudi authorities respond to the Houthi attacks?
A3: Saudi authorities intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh, and air defences stopped hostile attempts to target civilians in several cities.
Q4: What is the impact of the conflict on civilians?
A4: The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 104,796 people, according to the International Organization for Migration, a UN body.
Q5: What is the current status of the conflict?
A5: The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides suffering losses, and the situation remains volatile.
Q6: How has the international community responded to the conflict?
A6: The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the United Nations has been involved in efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.
