Residents hear new explosions in Saudi's Riyadh

Riyadh residents reported hearing new explosions on Wednesday, as blame was once again placed on Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition, battling the Houthis, claimed to have intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the capital. No casualties or damage have been reported thus far. The Houthis, who have repeatedly targeted key Saudi infrastructure, have not commented on the latest incidents.

Smoke rising from several of Saudi Arabia's vital facilities has caused concern both regionally and globally, furthering questions about whether the U.S. should join the Saudi strikes on the Houthis. Riyadh residents, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, described the blasts, one of which occurred in the northern area hosting King Khalid International Airport, a frequent target of Houthi strikes.

The Saudi civil defense reported air raid alerts in Riyadh and Kharj province, home to the state-owned Military Industries Corporation and Prince Sultan Air Base. The Houthis have warned of attacks on airports and oil facilities in advance, causing airlines to suspend operations and pull out planes. A fire broke out on Tuesday at a Saudi Aramco facility, further demonstrating the escalating tensions.

Saudi Arabia is struggling to intercept Houthi missiles and drones, prompting calls for more military support from allies like the United States. While the Saudis continue airstrikes in rebel-held Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government, the fighting has intensified as both sides attempt to gain the upper hand.

In related news, the Houthi-run Health Ministry reported two deaths and two injuries in an airstrike on a state oil company facility in Ras Isa port area, Hodeida province. The Saudi-led coalition also attacked an oil facility in Sanaa.