Houthi attacks hit a fuel depot near Riyadh airport

Houthi rebels struck a fuel depot near Riyadh’s international airport, triggering smoke and disrupting air traffic. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia, with both sides escalating military operations. According to reports, the strike targeted sensitive infrastructure, prompting Saudi authorities to activate aerial threat alerts. A dense black smoke column was observed near the airport early Tuesday, attributed to a fire at an Aramco fuel storage facility. The incident led to flight cancellations and delays, as noted by FlightRadar24 tracking data. The attacks, which have intensified over recent days, focus on energy infrastructure, reflecting the broader conflict in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, backed by its allies, has been engaged in a war against Houthi rebels since 2014, with Iran providing indirect support to the rebels. In the past month alone, Houthi strikes have caused dozens of injuries and disrupted oil operations. Meanwhile, Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast have allowed them to consolidate control over key maritime routes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage for crude oil shipments. Saudi officials confirmed that the country faces mounting challenges, including the closure of its eastern-western oil pipeline after an attack from Iraq, where Iranian-aligned militias operate. The pipeline is expected to resume partial operation within weeks. As Riyadh struggles to contain the Houthi offensive, it seeks assistance from allies, though none have agreed to open new fronts. U.S. involvement remains limited, as reported by Reuters. American officials met with Houthi representatives in Oman, where the rebels reaffirmed their commitment to a ceasefire agreement signed in 2025 with Washington. They stated they would not target U.S. or Israeli vessels, focusing instead on Saudi ships. This revelation has unsettled Saudi authorities, despite some relief from the situation.