Houthis claim Riyadh attack as Aramco tower sustains damage

RIYADH, Nov 9 — Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh's financial district, with witnesses reporting damage to a skyscraper belonging to oil giant Aramco. Aramco has faced multiple strikes by the Houthis in recent months, including their headquarters and oil storage facilities. Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing damage to the Aramco tower in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

The truce in Yemen's conflict broke down in July, and Saudi Arabia has since clashed with the Houthis, who have targeted Saudi airports, energy infrastructure, and military sites. The Houthis, supported by Iran, seized Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2014 and have been responsible for numerous attacks, including a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and the seizure of the Red Sea coast.

The attack on the Aramco tower is seen as a major escalation by security analysts, potentially impacting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan and raising political costs for the kingdom's Yemen campaign. No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis.