Houthi rebels launched attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including an Aramco building in Dhahran, according to Saudi officials. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, with debris from intercepted Houthi missiles injuring four people in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition responded by targeting Houthi "vital assets" in Yemen, escalating tensions in the region.
The attacks on civilian infrastructure and pilgrims in Saudi Arabia drew strong condemnation from Pakistan’s religious affairs minister, who called the strikes an attack on Pakistan under bilateral defense agreements. The minister spoke after attending a press conference in Islamabad, emphasizing the shared security interests between the two nations.
The Houthi attacks followed a pattern of escalating violence in Yemen, where the coalition has been engaged in a prolonged conflict. Saudi Arabia confirmed that its forces intercepted several Houthi missiles over Riyadh on Tuesday evening. The intercepted missiles were part of a broader campaign by the Houthis to challenge Saudi military operations in the region.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian impact, with ongoing airstrikes and ground battles causing casualties and displacement. The recent attacks highlight the continued volatility of the situation, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian areas. The Saudi-led coalition has maintained that its strikes are aimed at military targets, while the Houthis claim they are defending Yemeni sovereignty.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Saudi Arabia and its allies facing persistent threats from Houthi forces. The attacks have also raised concerns about the safety of pilgrims and civilians in Saudi Arabia, prompting calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
