Houthi rivendica attacchi in Arabia Saudita

The Huthi militia in Yemen has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including the capital, Riyadh, and oil facilities in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. According to the Huthi, the strikes involved dozens of ballistic rockets and drones aimed at "sensitive sites," resulting in multiple large-scale fires. The attacks reportedly followed more than 700 Saudi air strikes in Yemen, which the Huthi have condemned as part of a broader campaign against the country. Residents in Riyadh reported explosions and a black smoke column near the international airport, temporarily disrupting flight operations. Witnesses described seeing fire crews attempting to extinguish a burning fuel tank marked with the logo of Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company. However, official statements regarding the extent of damage or casualties have not yet been released. The Saudi-led military coalition, which supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen, confirmed that Huthi attacks targeted Riyadh and other cities. A spokesman for the coalition, Turki al-Malki, stated that Saudi air defenses had intercepted and destroyed a rocket launched toward the capital. Additional attacks on Yanbu and other locations were also repelled. Despite these efforts, the Huthi claim to have successfully struck several key sites, raising concerns about the stability of Saudi infrastructure. The Huthi militia, backed by Iran, controls significant portions of Yemen, including the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. This region is a crucial route for international shipping, particularly for Saudi oil exports. Since July, the Huthi have imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, increasing pressure on the kingdom’s supply lines. Their recent capture of parts of Yemen’s western coast has granted them nearly unrestricted access to this vital waterway, marking a major setback for Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia has been under increasing pressure from Huthi attacks since the escalation of hostilities in Yemen. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2015, has left the country vulnerable to cross-border assaults. The Huthi have intensified their attacks in response to Saudi air campaigns targeting Yemen, which have been conducted in support of the government forces. The latest strikes represent a significant escalation, as they target urban centers and critical infrastructure within Saudi territory. In addition to the attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu, the Huthi have also attempted to strike other locations, including Taif, Baysh, and Farasan. These attacks were all reportedly thwarted by Saudi air defenses. The Huthi, however, continue to assert that their actions are justified as retaliation for Saudi aggression in Yemen. They accuse the coalition of conducting indiscriminate bombings that have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has managed to repel a Huthi infiltration attempt in the southern province of Marib. Military forces there reportedly killed twelve Huthi fighters and injured others during the operation, with the remaining attackers fleeing the area. This success highlights the continued struggle between the two sides, despite the overall deterioration of security conditions in the region. The conflict has worsened significantly in recent months, with both sides accusing each other of escalating violence. The 2022 ceasefire brokered by the United Nations has largely collapsed, leading to renewed clashes and increased instability. The Huthi’s control over key areas in Yemen and their ability to launch attacks into Saudi territory have raised alarms about the potential for further regional destabilization. As tensions remain high, the situation continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for possible further confrontations. The impact of these attacks on Saudi infrastructure and the broader implications for regional security will likely become clearer in the coming days.