Riyadh: Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed missile and drone attacks against Riyadh and Saudi energy facilities as fighting between the group and Saudi Arabia intensifies.
Saudi authorities stated that the air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh on September 19. Saudi officials did not confirm further strikes or casualties, while the Houthis claimed attacks against sensitive sites in the capital.
The Saudi-led coalition also noted that air defences thwarted attempts to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. The Saudi statement did not provide details on possible damage from those incidents.
The group launched a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones. The attacks targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The group described the operation as a response to Saudi attacks on Sanaa, which remains under Houthi control.
A large column of black smoke was seen near fuel tanks close to King Khalid International Airport. Flights at the airport were temporarily disrupted, with reports of delays and cancellations. Saudi Civil Defence had issued alerts warning of potential aerial threats in Riyadh and nearby areas before an all-clear was later announced.
The Houthis have been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives Saudi backing. The group has carried out several attacks against Saudi targets in recent months.
The latest escalation comes after the Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in July. The group also claimed responsibility for downing a Saudi fighter jet over Yemen. Houthi sources said 31 fighters were killed, while government sources reported 17 military deaths.
The International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency, added that more than 104,796 people had been displaced by the latest fighting. The Houthis also seized the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, which sit near a major Red Sea shipping route.
The US State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to exercise caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. The department warned that Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia could escalate rapidly and advised Americans to reconsider travel to and through the region.
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