Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said it launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, and energy installations along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast.
Saudi authorities confirmed that air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Saturday. They did not confirm additional strikes or report any casualties.
Earlier in the day, thick black smoke was seen rising from fuel tanks near Riyadh’s international airport. Flights at the airport were temporarily disrupted.
Air raid warnings were also sounded in the capital for the first time since the Houthis intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia in July.
The US State Department advised American citizens in the Middle East to remain alert and prepare for possible flight cancellations and other travel disruptions.
In a statement, the department warned that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports, could lead to a rapid escalation of the conflict. It also urged Americans to seriously reconsider travelling to or through the region.
A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said air defences had also thwarted attempted attacks targeting civilians in Bish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu.
Houthis Say Strikes Were in Response to Saudi Attacks
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea said in an online statement that the group had used numerous ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, against sensitive locations in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi state energy company Aramco in the coastal city of Yanbu.
He described the operation as retaliation for what he alleged were Saudi attempts to attack Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which remains under Houthi control.
Earlier, Sarea accused Saudi Arabia of conducting 300 strikes across Yemen during the preceding week.
The Houthis remain engaged in a civil war against Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which receives support from Saudi Arabia.
The group has repeatedly targeted locations inside Saudi Arabia in recent months. Earlier this week, it also claimed responsibility for shooting down a Saudi fighter aircraft over Yemen.
Reports of 48 Deaths in Yemen Fighting
According to an unconfirmed report by AFP, citing military sources from both sides of Yemen’s civil war, clashes between Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed government forces killed 48 people on Saturday.
The Houthis reported losing 31 fighters, while government sources said 17 soldiers had been killed on their side.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration reported on Friday that the number of people displaced by the latest fighting in Yemen had exceeded 104,796.
