Oil prices spike after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports

Oil prices rose on Monday following weekend attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on two airports in Saudi Arabia. Brent crude closed at nearly $106 per barrel by late Monday afternoon, an increase of approximately $1.20 from Friday's close, with prices peaking earlier at $107.33, according to The Hill. The Houthis stated the attacks, which included cruise missiles fired at oil facilities and Dammam airport, were a response to Saudi support for government forces in Yemen's civil war and a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport earlier this year, reported Middle East Eye.

The strikes have caused significant casualties. Free Malaysia Today reports that at least 18 people were killed at Riyadh airport, including 13 on Saturday, and hundreds were wounded. Free Malaysia Today also noted two people were killed in a strike on Abha International Airport on Tuesday. Middle East Eye reported that at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured during the Saturday attack on King Khalid International Airport.

France 24 reported that AI-generated or decontextualised media has been circulating on social media regarding the recent strikes.

In response to the attacks, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia announced that US government employees must obtain embassy authorisation before using any airport in the kingdom. The mission also urged US citizens to take extreme caution if they choose to use Saudi airports, according to Free Malaysia Today. Additionally, Ajel English reported that the Muslim World League has received messages from Islamic leaders worldwide denouncing the Houthi acts.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Hill, Free Malaysia Today, France 24, Ajel English, Middle East Eye — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.