Houthi militia claims responsibility for attacks in Saudi Arabia

The Houthi militia in Yemen has claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabian targets, including the capital, Riyadh, and oil facilities in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. According to a Houthi spokesman, the group launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and at Aramco installations in Yanbu, causing several major fires. The attacks followed a period of escalating tensions between the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, and Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Residents in Riyadh reported explosions and a plume of black smoke near the international airport on September 19, 2026. Witnesses described seeing fire trucks attempting to extinguish a burning fuel tank marked with the logo of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 noted disruptions at Riyadh’s airport, including flight cancellations and delays. Saudi authorities issued warnings overnight about potential attacks on the capital, marking the first such alert since the resumption of hostilities with the Houthi rebels in July. The Houthi attacks are part of a broader pattern of escalation. Earlier this month, the Houthi rebels seized control of significant portions of Yemen’s western coastline, including areas around the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab strait. This move has severely impacted Saudi Arabia’s ability to maintain control over maritime routes critical to its oil exports. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is essential for international shipping, particularly for Saudi crude oil shipments. With the Strait of Hormuz, another key chokepoint, under partial blockage due to regional tensions, the security of the Bab al-Mandab has become even more vital. In response to the latest attacks, the Saudi-led military coalition stated that its air defenses had intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh. The coalition also reported repelling attempts to strike civilian infrastructure in the southern cities of Bish and Farasan, as well as the western city of Taif and the Red Sea port of Yanbu. However, the coalition did not provide details on any damage caused by the attacks. Civil defense authorities in Saudi Arabia had previously issued alerts via phone calls warning of possible aerial threats in Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj, before confirming the situation was under control. The Houthi rebels have consistently framed their attacks as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. They accuse Saudi Arabia of conducting more than 700 air raids in the country, which they claim have targeted Yemeni civilians and infrastructure. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government, however, maintains that these strikes are necessary to counter Houthi advances and protect national interests. Since the 2022 UN-mediated ceasefire, the conflict has intensified, leading to the displacement of approximately 120,000 people. The current wave of violence has effectively ended the temporary pause in hostilities. Meanwhile, the Yemeni armed forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have reportedly thwarted an infiltration attempt by Houthi fighters in the oil-rich province of Marib. Twelve Houthi combatants were killed or injured during the operation, with others fleeing the area. These actions highlight the ongoing struggle for control over key regions in Yemen, particularly those with strategic significance for both sides. The Houthi claims of attacking Saudi targets underscore the deepening crisis in the region. While the exact extent of damage remains unclear, the attacks have raised concerns about the stability of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and the potential impact on global oil markets. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian toll and geopolitical implications are likely to grow.