Attacks on Saudi airports kill three people - AP

Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed responsibility for two attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, marking a recent escalation in the Middle East conflict threatening oil supply disruptions. Saudi officials reported that three individuals were killed in the attacks on Abha and Riyadh. While the perpetrators were not officially identified, the Houthis have admitted to the strikes.

Critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including oil and military assets, has been a target in recent days. The kingdom, a major oil exporter, is engaged in a new ground and air offensive to regain control of Houthi-claimed territories near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route. Coalition forces have reportedly recaptured areas close to the strait.

The Middle East conflict, combined with the ongoing war in Ukraine, is causing oil supply constraints, potentially impacting global markets. Energy storage levels are low, which may further drive up prices. The conflict escalated following a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran in late February, leading to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route.