Flames and thick smoke were spotted near Riyadh’s main airport after Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on the Saudi capital. The strikes, which targeted “sensitive” sites, occurred hours after explosions were heard and air raid alerts were sounded. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that defenses intercepted a Houthi missile fired at Riyadh, marking the first such alert since tensions escalated between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
The attacks come amid ongoing hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the rebels citing a recent attack in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, as a justification. Witnesses reported large plumes of black smoke and visible flames near the airport, raising concerns over the potential escalation of the regional conflict. The Saudi government has warned of a “hostile aerial threat,” emphasizing the need for heightened security measures.
The strikes have intensified fears that the conflict could spiral further, with oil prices fluctuating in response to the heightened tensions. While the Houthis claim the attacks were a response to prior aggression, the Saudi-led coalition has not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties or damage caused. The situation remains under close monitoring as both sides continue to exchange accusations and military actions.
