Yemen’s Houthi forces claimed they targeted “sensitive” sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu with missiles and drones on Saturday, while the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a missile heading towards the capital.
In a statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the movement carried out two military operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, with one targeting Riyadh and the other targeting facilities belonging to Saudi oil company Aramco in the port city of Yanbu.
“Both operations succeeded, with God’s help, and caused massive fires at the targeted sites,” the statement said.
Video published by Reuters showed a large column of black smoke rising near King Khalid International Airport, while flames were visible behind what appeared to be fuel tanks. The Houthis did not identify the specific sites targeted in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh and thwarted attacks on civilian infrastructure in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan, according to its statement reported by the Associated Press. It provided no further details about those attempted attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s civil defence agency issued overnight warnings of possible aerial attacks in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, followed by an all-clear on Saturday morning.
The Houthi statement said the operations were a response to continued Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, alleged attempts to target Sanaa and Saudi accusations that the movement had targeted Mecca.
It also rejected allegations that its attacks targeted civilians, describing them as “baseless” and blaming any civilian casualties on failed Saudi air-defence interceptions.
The movement said it would continue its policy of “blockade for blockade” and “escalation for escalation”, adding that its operations would continue until Saudi attacks ended and the blockade on Yemen was lifted.
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