The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a major military operation against Saudi Arabia, targeting oil facilities and an international airport in Riyadh. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, killed at least 12 people and injured over 300. The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the strike, marking the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
The attack followed a series of escalating tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the rebels intensifying their military operations. The Houthi forces, supported by Iran, have been advancing on key cities in Yemen, including Taiz, the country’s third-largest city. The city had previously endured a yearslong siege during the nation’s civil war.
The Houthi offensive has also seen the rebels attempting to acquire advanced weaponry, including Chinese-made components for a new medium-range ballistic missile system. A report by a weapons tracking group revealed that the Houthis are receiving support from China, which has raised concerns among Yemen’s government. The Yemeni foreign minister, Afrah Al-Zouba, warned that the Houthis would become “undefeatable” if given more time, and emphasized that her government does not seek a ceasefire or negotiations with the rebels.
The conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2015, has resulted in widespread humanitarian crises, with the healthcare system on the brink of collapse. The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the situation is worsening as fighting intensifies. The Houthis’ attacks on Saudi infrastructure have further complicated the already volatile region, drawing international attention and concern.
