RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh came under a renewed missile threat after Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed missile and drone attacks targeting strategic sites in Riyadh and Yanbu. A major fire and thick black smoke were also reported near King Khalid International Airport, although authorities have not immediately confirmed whether the fire was directly caused by a missile strike.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that two military operations were carried out using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. According to the Houthis, the attacks targeted “sensitive” sites in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The group described the attacks as retaliation for Saudi actions targeting Sanaa.
The Saudi-led coalition, meanwhile, said its air defence systems had intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh. The coalition also said attempted attacks targeting civilian sites in Yanbu, Taif, Bisha and Farasan had been intercepted.
Amid the missile threat, Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts to mobile phones in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, east of the capital. Residents reported hearing explosions after two alerts were issued during the night. The warnings were later withdrawn after authorities said the immediate danger had passed.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out at a fuel storage facility near King Khalid International Airport. Reports said an AFP reporter at the scene saw flames engulfing a fuel tank bearing the Aramco logo. The fire was subsequently brought under control, while a large column of black smoke was seen rising near the airport.
However, there was no immediate official confirmation that the fire was caused by the Houthi missile attack.
Saudi authorities confirmed the interception of the ballistic missile headed towards Riyadh but did not immediately report casualties or widespread damage. The Houthi claim of an attack on an Aramco facility in Yanbu has also not received independent official confirmation.
The developments come amid renewed tensions involving the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. Saudi cities and energy infrastructure have previously faced threats from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, while attacks and threats to shipping in the Red Sea have added to regional security concerns.
The UN Security Council has strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and called for an immediate halt to military escalation. The council also urged an end to attacks affecting civilian and energy infrastructure and condemned threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The latest developments have raised fresh concerns over regional stability and the potential impact of escalating tensions on energy supplies and maritime trade, particularly given the strategic importance of the Red Sea shipping corridor.
