Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital after flames, black smoke seen near Riyadh airport

On Saturday, September 19, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on "sensitive" sites in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. This occurred around the same time flames and a large plume of black smoke were observed near the city's primary airport. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the attacks via Telegram, stating that two operations were carried out using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones.

One strike targeted sites in Riyadh, while the other aimed at facilities belonging to Saudi oil company Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. These claims came after Saudi authorities issued warnings of a "hostile aerial threat" in Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj. Riyadh's Civil Defense later declared an all-clear. Thick smoke was visible near King Khalid International Airport, with flames seen behind what appeared to be fuel storage tanks.

A journalist from AFP witnessed firefighters extinguishing a burning fuel tank with the Aramco logo near the airport. Residents reported hearing booms in various parts of Riyadh following the overnight warning. Flight-tracking service FlightRadar24 temporarily reported significant disruption at Riyadh Airport before traffic resumed.

Saree stated that the attacks were in response to Saudi "criminal attempts" to target Yemen's capital, Sanaa. The Houthi group did not provide specific details about the targets in Riyadh. The overnight alert marked the first such threat alert in Riyadh since Houthi-fueled fighting escalated in July. Saudi authorities had not confirmed the Houthi claims at the time of publication.

This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Saudi-Houthi confrontation, as the group increasingly targets Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping. The Houthi claim of an attack on Aramco facilities in Yanbu is particularly noteworthy, given the Red Sea port's status as a major Saudi oil export and industrial hub.

The recent escalation comes as shipping and energy markets suffer from the broader regional conflict and Strait of Hormuz restrictions. Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked shipping and infrastructure could impose further pressure on alternative routes for Gulf energy supplies. The group has also imposed a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and targeted Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.

Renewed fighting in Yemen, following the Houthi-led offensive that took control of large parts of the country's Red Sea coastline, has put pressure on the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government. Saudi Arabia has retaliated with airstrikes against Houthi-held areas, while the Houthis accuse Riyadh of carrying out hundreds of strikes against their positions.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei called for an end to the Saudi-Houthi war, stating that Iran desired the same. The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, resulting in injuries to civilians, including women and children.

Over 112,000 people have been displaced, with nearly 3,000 others crossing to Djibouti due to the renewed fighting. The United States recently approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, aiming to bolster Riyadh's defense capabilities against current and future threats.