U.S. warns Americans as Houthi attacks exacerbate Saudi Arabia conflict

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen claimed responsibility for launching drone and ballistic missile attacks on the Saudi capital of Riyadh and energy facilities on the country's Red Sea coast. Saudi authorities reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh, without providing further details on strikes or casualties.

Prior to the attacks, a column of black smoke was observed rising from fuel tanks near Riyadh's international airport, causing temporary disruptions to flights. Residents in the capital received air raid alerts for the first time since Houthi attacks escalated in July. The U.S. State Department advised Americans in the Middle East to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flight cancellations and travel disruptions.

The U.S. warned that the conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia could rapidly escalate. Saudi-led coalition forces also stopped hostile attempts to target civilians in cities such as Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu. Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea stated that a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones were used to strike "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, claiming the attacks were in retaliation for Saudi efforts to attack Yemen's capital Sanaa.

The civil war between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has seen Houthis attack targets within Saudi Arabia multiple times in recent months. On Saturday, an unconfirmed report suggested the conflict claimed 48 lives, with the Houthis reporting 31 of their fighters killed and government sources indicating 17 soldiers lost.

Recent fighting has displaced over 104,796 people, according to the International Organization for Migration.