Syria condemns Houthi attack on Aramco facility in Riyadh, voices support for Saudi Arabia

A Houthi missile strike damaged a key area of Saudi Arabia's financial district, Riyadh, on Sunday, casting doubts on the return to normalcy for the city following recent assaults. The offices of Saudi Aramco, the nation's state-owned oil company, suffered minor damage. No casualties were reported in the attack. The Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed responsibility for the strike.

In retaliation, Saudi authorities destroyed two missile launchers that were used in the attack. Although the attack occurred while the commercial hub, known as KAFD, was operating remotely, it took place during morning rush hour as schools resumed in-person learning. KAFD had previously announced a return to normal operations but later suspended the decision and continued remote work.

The strikes come at a challenging time for Saudi Arabia, which is grappling with a budget deficit, a contracting economy, and an anemic stock market. The nation has had to postpone or cancel various events, including the AFC Asian Cup and FII forum, that were expected to boost the economy and attract foreign investment. The Houthi group threatened to target Saudi infrastructure in response to Saudi-led forces' actions in Yemen.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the Saudi airstrikes on civilian targets in Yemen and urged an immediate end to the conflict, calling for dialogue. This escalation in tensions occurs as there is speculation about the ongoing US-Iran conflict and elections in Israel.