The Houthis of Yemen announced on Saturday that they have attacked "sensitive areas" in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, using missiles and drones. These attacks come as large plumes of smoke and flames have been observed near Riyadh's main airport.
Details of the Attacks and Saudi Response
Saudi Arabia issued warnings about potential dangers from air attacks in the early hours of the night. Videos and images from the event show a large column of black smoke rising in the area, with flames visible behind fuel tanks as highways around the airport and main buildings are in the foreground.
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The Houthis also announced that they have attacked Aramco facilities in the city of Yanbu, which is one of Saudi Arabia's key oil export centers. These attacks are justified as a response to a previous attack in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.
International Impacts and Reactions
The military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which is fighting the Houthis, announced that the coalition's air defense systems intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh. Additionally, the coalition reported the neutralization of other attacks against civilians in the cities of Bish and Farasan, as well as Yanbu. However, no further details about the damages incurred have been provided.
The Saudi government issued phone warnings last night about potential air attack dangers in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj, located east of the capital, and announced on Saturday morning that the situation has returned to normal. Meanwhile, a reporter in the Olaya area of Riyadh reported hearing explosions before the announcement of the return to normal status.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia began last July with the announcement of a naval blockade against Riyadh, and the group continues its attacks against Saudi facilities and ships in the Red Sea. This situation poses not only a threat to Saudi internal security but will also impact global oil supply.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Saudi Arabia may need military assistance and that Turkey is ready to help them under a trilateral defense pact with Pakistan. Further details about the type of support from Turkey have not yet been specified, but Fidan indicated that Saudi needs may include "some technical issues."
Mohammad Hassan Rezai, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated in an interview that Tehran seeks an end to the war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and believes that Yemenis also desire an agreement with Saudi Arabia. Rezai also mentioned that Iran has conveyed its conditions to intermediaries for the resumption of stalled negotiations with the United States.
The United Nations Security Council has also condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in a statement, highlighting the repercussions of these attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure. This statement also refers to the increasing military tensions of the Houthis in Yemen.
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