US fears rapid escalation in Mideast after Houthis attack Riyadh
Saudi-led coalition says a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh was intercepted as Houthis claim attacks on the capital and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
The US has expressed concern over the potential rapid escalation in the Middle East following an attack on Riyadh by Yemeni Houthi rebels. President Donald Trump returned unexpectedly to the White House on Saturday from Camp David, citing the situation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The White House did not provide an explanation for the sudden trip.
Loud explosions were heard in the Saudi capital, and a fuel tank near the airport was on fire. The US has warned American citizens to reconsider travel to and through the region. The Houthi offensive has displaced over 110,000 people and disrupted Saudi Arabia's oil exports. A missile attack on Riyadh was successfully intercepted by Saudi air defenses.
Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, but the offensive continues. This is the first time since Yemen's civil war resumed that strikes have threatened the Saudi capital. The US has provided weapons to Saudi Arabia in response to the escalating conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- US fears rapid escalation in Mideast after Houthis attack Riyadh freemalaysiatoday.com
- US fears rapid escalation in Mideast after Houthis attack Riyadh gulfnews.com
- Yemen's Houthis strike Saudi capital Riyadh for the first time france24.com
