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The conflict involving the Houthi movement entered a new phase on Saturday after the group launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh. Saudi Arabian officials reported that their air defenses successfully intercepted the projectile at dawn. Residents in the capital reported hearing an explosion and observing smoke near King Khalid International Airport, though there were no reports of casualties or damage.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh as well as Saudi Aramco facilities in the Red Sea energy hub of Yanbu. Saudi authorities stated they thwarted attempted attacks on civilian infrastructure in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh, and Farasan. The Associated Press reported that it could not independently verify the Houthi claims regarding damage to Aramco facilities.
This incident marks the first time Riyadh has been targeted during the current escalation. Tensions have risen following a series of events, including a Saudi accusation that the Houthis attempted to attack Mecca with a drone, a claim the group denied. Additionally, debris from an intercepted drone recently resulted in the first reported civilian death in the current escalation, involving a Yemeni resident in Saudi Arabia.
In Yemen, the Houthis have recently secured territorial gains, including the port of Mokha and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These positions provide the group with increased oversight of critical maritime trade routes.
Despite these developments, the United States has maintained a policy of not participating in offensive strikes against the Houthis. While Washington provides Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting support, officials have confirmed that the U.S. does not intend to join the military campaign. CNN reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested U.S. strikes against the rebels, but the request was declined. President Donald Trump has publicly indicated a desire to avoid further military involvement in the conflict.
The escalation has also impacted regional diplomacy, with a planned meeting between Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Iran being canceled after Saudi Arabia declined to attend. Analysts and regional sources cited by CNN have expressed concern that the Houthi threat is expanding beyond Yemen, complicating efforts to manage regional security and maritime trade routes.
Article source: gulfnews.com | Image credit: gulfnews.com
