Saudi-led coalition and Houthis trade threats over oil installations

On Tuesday, the conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels intensified as both sides threatened each other's oil facilities. The coalition announced they had conducted an operation targeting energy sites in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, including Al Sabahah station in Sanaa and piers at the port of Hodeidah.

Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki stated that the Houthis were utilizing civilian infrastructure to support their military efforts and stockpile weapons. He emphasized that the operation aimed to neutralize the Houthis' capability to threaten Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Red Sea, and global shipping routes.

Earlier in the day, the coalition had urged civilians to evacuate Al Sabahah, owned by the Yemen Petroleum Company, ahead of what it described as a "special operation." In response to the coalition's strikes, the Houthis declared that oil installations within Saudi Arabia would be valid targets, and any individuals working at these sites should avoid the area.

The coalition reported intercepting three missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and the previous day. One projectile was targeted at Riyadh, while the others were heading towards Khamis Mushait. Maj Gen Al Malki revealed this information on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia has endured numerous Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure in recent weeks, including a strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday that resulted in 13 deaths and 308 injuries. Despite these disruptions, causing schools to shift to remote learning, the city's roads remained congested, offices were operational, and sporting events proceeded as scheduled, according to residents.

On a separate note, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday. Abdelatty, according to a statement from his ministry, urged for an immediate cessation of all attacks on Saudi Arabia. He firmly asserted that there could be no justification for such actions.