Houthi attack targets Riyadh as Saudi Arabia faces escalating strikes

Saudi Arabia reported that its air defenses intercepted a missile targeting Riyadh after a plume of smoke was spotted near King Khalid International Airport. The Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh, as well as an Aramco facility in Yanbu, a key oil export hub. The attacks were reportedly in retaliation for an earlier strike in Sanaa.

Saudi Arabia's military coalition stated that it had destroyed the missile and thwarted other attacks on civilians and infrastructure in various Saudi cities. This marks the first reported strike on Riyadh by the Houthis since the recent escalation began in July. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns over potential threats to global oil supplies and the Red Sea route used for Gulf energy exports, particularly with shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials called for an end to the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia has relied on its air defenses to counter the attacks. The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.