Houthi Attack Reported Near Riyadh
Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed an attack on an oil facility near Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, as fighting between the two sides sharply escalates.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group targeted an oil facility with ballistic missiles and drones. He claimed the strikes caused fires at the targeted sites.
An AFP journalist reported seeing flames and smoke rising from an Aramco facility south of Riyadh. Firefighters, ambulances and police vehicles were also seen near the site.
Saudi authorities had not publicly commented on the reported attack at the time of the report.
Saudi Strikes Hit Sanaa
The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah television channel reported that Saudi aircraft carried out 26 strikes on Sanaa.
Residents and AFP correspondents reported hearing loud explosions across the Yemeni capital. Warplanes were also reportedly seen firing missiles over the city.
The Houthis also reported Saudi strikes against areas in Yemen’s Saada governorate, a stronghold of the group.
The latest escalation follows renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis after years of relative calm.
Conflict Deepens Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The Houthis control much of northwestern Yemen, including Sanaa, while Yemen’s internationally recognised government controls large parts of the south and east.
The conflict has intensified since July. The Houthis have expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and claimed attacks against Saudi targets and shipping.
Fighting has also intensified around Taiz. Houthi sources reported 55 fighters killed, while government sources told AFP that 26 troops had died.
The renewed conflict is worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme warned that about three-quarters of the population was struggling to meet basic food needs.
