Trump says Houthis are ‘behaving very badly’, hints at asking Erdogan to help Saudi Arabia amid attacks

On Tuesday, the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified as both sides exchanged threats regarding oil facilities. The Saudi-led coalition announced it had conducted an operation against energy sites in Houthi-controlled zones of Yemen, targeting Al Sabahah station in Sanaa and fuel loading points at the Hodeidah port.

Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki informed that the Houthis had utilized civilian infrastructure to aid their military actions and stockpile weapons. He emphasized the operation aimed at incapacitating the Houthis' capability to menace Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Red Sea, and global shipping routes.

Earlier that day, the coalition had urged residents to evacuate Al Sabahah, owned by the Yemen Petroleum Company, prior to their "special operation," which was disclosed on social media alongside a map of the area. In reaction to the strikes, the Houthis declared that oil installations in Saudi Arabia would be deemed lawful targets, and any civilians working at those facilities should refrain from entering.

The coalition also stated it had intercepted three missiles launched towards Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and the previous day. One projectile was aimed at Riyadh, while the others targeted Khamis Mushait, according to Maj Gen Al Malki.

Following the escalation, the Houthis declared oil installations in Saudi Arabia as legitimate targets and warned civilians working at these sites to stay away. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has previously faced repeated Houthi assaults on civilian infrastructure, including an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday which resulted in 13 deaths and 308 injuries.

Despite the disruptions, life in Riyadh continued as usual, with streets crowded, offices open, and sports events proceeding as scheduled, residents told The National. Christina, a Lebanese citizen residing in the Saudi capital, noted, "The usual traffic is there. The streets are full of cars. I'm working from the office and the roads look completely normal on my way to work."

Additionally, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the preceding day, urging an immediate cessation of all attacks on Saudi Arabia. In a statement released by his ministry, Mr. Abdelatty conveyed that the attacks lacked justification.