Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced its intention to continue targeting Saudi airports and oil infrastructure following a recent attack on Saudi Aramco’s headquarters, which reportedly inflicted significant damage. The Houthis assert that their strikes are legitimate responses to Saudi military actions in Yemen and could escalate tensions amidst the ongoing US-Iran rivalry in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia has experienced an increase in Houthi attacks, most notably a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport that resulted in 13 fatalities. The latest assault on Aramco’s facility in Dhahran caused a fire across multiple floors. However, the Saudi energy ministry downplayed the incident, stating it caused only limited damage, and operations at Aramco remained normal, albeit with employees working remotely.
In the wake of these developments, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh. While loud explosions were reported in the capital, authorities did not immediately clarify the source. The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching various missile types at critical Saudi sites, urging civilians and international shipping firms to avoid these targeted areas.
Meanwhile, fighting in Yemen has intensified, challenging humanitarian efforts as hospitals struggle to manage war casualties. The UN World Food Programme highlighted the dire situation in Taiz, where over 600,000 individuals rely on assistance, currently cut off due to encirclement by Houthi forces. Efforts to restore peace have been undermined as Saudi Arabia renewed military operations in Yemen, seeking to impact Houthi territorial advances.
