Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack its capital with a ballistic missile, marking the first reported attack on Riyadh since the escalation in fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemeni government forces backed by the Saudis. According to the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, the attack was intercepted in the morning but the statement came late Saturday. The coalition also confirmed that the Houthis attempted to attack civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu and in Taif, Baysh and Farasan, but were thwarted. This represents a significant escalation in the conflict, as the Houthis earlier claimed, without providing evidence, they had targeted 'sensitive sites' in Riyadh and facilities of Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, causing 'massive fires'.
The Houthis have recently seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a gateway to a key shipping route used by Saudi Arabia to export to Asia and Europe, as reported by Reuters. The Iran-backed group's military spokesman said the naval blockade was in retaliation for a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled north-western Yemen. Hours before the Riyadh alerts, the Houthis' military spokesperson said the group had thwarted unspecified 'criminal attempts' in Yemen's capital Sanaa, blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing a response. The growing conflict near another important global shipping corridor has brought new pressures for markets, as the Houthis have also launched ballistic missiles and drones at several Saudi cities earlier this week, including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, injuring 13 civilians. In response, Saudi forces launched airstrikes across Houthi-held areas of Yemen last Saturday and this Tuesday, according to the Houthis.
The escalation has triggered a major displacement crisis inside Yemen, with the UN migration agency reporting that at least 112,000 people had been displaced internally amid the renewed fighting, according to Reuters. Nearly 3,000 people had also fled Yemen by sea to Djibouti, with many travelling in overcrowded boats with limited food and water. The conflict has created significant disruptions to Saudi infrastructure and civilian casualties. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia injured 13 people on Monday night, bringing the total number of people injured since the conflict escalated in July to about 100 people. The Houthis' tightening grip over shipping in the Red Sea has fueled fears that the main escape valves for the region's oil are slamming shut, as Iran and the US continue battling for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally asked US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis, according to two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News, the BBC's US media partner. However, Trump has so far declined to involve the US military directly, offering instead to assist with intelligence and targeting support, as reported by a senior Trump administration official to the BBC. Vice President JD Vance said Washington had been in 'constant contact' with the Saudis and had been 'engaged in direct conversations with the Houthis' on Monday. The US military's Central Command has a task force in place for 'enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support with Saudi forces'**. Amid the latest developments, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday issued an advisory asking its citizens to 'reconsider travel' to the kingdom, warning of the 'risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity'.
Amid the escalating tensions, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China, with Beijing expressing concern about the spread of fighting to Yemen and the Red Sea. As reported by China's Foreign Ministry, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the U.S. and Iran to exercise restraint and reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Tehran seeks 'the restoration of calm to the region and friendly and peaceful relations with our neighbors', adding that 'in this regard we have begun dialogue with the countries of the region'. Meanwhile, forces with Yemen's internationally recognized government have said they are regrouping to combat the Houthis after fleeing the rebels' advance, though these forces are a collection of armed groups with varying aims. President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in New Delhi over the weekend again offered Beijing's help in ending the war, despite China avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.
