Saudi Arabia says it intercepted Houthi missiles; group claims strikes on Riyadh, Aramco
USO•Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis, who later claimed attacks on a target in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm the claimed attacks on Riyadh or Yanbu.
1. Missile interceptions and claims
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles that the Saudi-led coalition said were aimed at Taif and the Yanbu area. The Houthis later said they attacked a “sensitive target” in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, and said the operations achieved their objectives. Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm an attack on Riyadh; it was unclear whether there was damage or casualties in Taif or Yanbu.
2. Oil export route concerns
The article said the escalation threatened Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through the Red Sea while the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted and the kingdom’s East-West pipeline was resuming operations after drone strikes earlier in the month. Industry sources said Saudi Arabia was building up crude pumping volumes through the pipeline, which had been shut since September 11.
3. Fighting in Yemen
Saudi-backed government forces said they repelled Houthi attacks on a key supply route to Taiz from Aden. The article said more than 700 people had been killed and thousands wounded in the latest fighting, and nearly 130,000 Yemenis had been displaced within the country.
