Yemen's Houthis Strike Saudi Capital Riyadh for First Time

The Houthi rebels launched a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, for the first time since the conflict between the kingdom and the Iran-aligned group escalated. Air raid sirens sounded and explosions were heard in Riyadh on Saturday, with reports indicating the strike targeted an area near King Khalid International Airport. Social media footage showed plumes of black smoke and large flames erupting from the vicinity of airport facilities. The attack led to the suspension of all takeoffs and landings at the airport.

Despite Saudi defense systems attempting to intercept the threats, the Houthis claimed responsibility for hitting a strategic target. Houthi official Hazam al-Assad stated on social media that the fire resulted from a strike on a fuel depot belonging to the Saudi oil giant Aramco. He issued a stern warning to the kingdom, declaring, "The big attack is still ahead of us," and accused Saudi Arabia of conducting hundreds of attacks in Yemen recently.

Air raid sirens were also activated in other Saudi regions, including Jeddah and Taif. This attack occurs amid heightened regional tensions, particularly following the Houthis' takeover of territory near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Reports suggest that during a secret meeting with American representatives in Oman, the Houthis clarified their intention to focus exclusively on Saudi targets, rather than attacking Israeli, commercial, or American vessels in the strait.

The Saudi Kingdom, concerned about its dwindling interceptor missile supplies, has recently approached its allies seeking defensive assistance.