US fears rapid escalation in Mideast after Houthis attack Riyadh

The United States has expressed grave concerns that the recent attack by Iranian-backed Houthis on Riyadh could quickly escalate into a more serious conflict in the Middle East. On Saturday, multiple loud explosions shook the Saudi capital, with Reuters reporting a fuel tank belonging to Aramco, the world's largest oil company, ablaze near the airport. The US State Department warned American citizens outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region due to the heightened danger.

The Houthis' lightning offensive in Yemen, which has displaced over 110,000 people, has resulted in hundreds of deaths. The Saudi-led coalition reported that the missile attack was intercepted and destroyed, claiming the fighters attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in several cities. Saudi Arabia retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas but has yet to halt the offensive.

The Houthis have retaliated with several successful military operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, targeting Saudi security locations in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. This is the first time in recent history that strikes have threatened the Saudi capital since Yemen's civil war resumed. The US has denied a Saudi request for military action against the Houthis and recently approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom to bolster its defense against potential threats.