Several explosions were heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Thursday, as tensions escalate between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels. According to residents, international schools took precautions, and one school moved children to an underground floor for their safety. Some companies also evacuated their premises, including those in the King Abdullah Financial Center. The cause of the explosions and the affected areas are still unclear.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, stating that it hit its target and disrupted airport operations. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities. This comes after the Saudi government reported that three people were killed and 36 injured in attacks on King Khalid and Abha airports on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Saudi-led coalition responded by striking 82 military targets of the Houthis in Yemen.
The Houthi rebels also launched an attack on Aden International Airport in Yemen, using ballistic missiles and drones. The Yemeni government reported that one missile landed near the runway just before a flight from Cairo was set to land, and the plane was redirected to Jeddah. The rebels claimed they targeted military supplies near the airport, killing and injuring several Saudi officers.
Fighting has intensified on the ground in Yemen, particularly around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, where government forces are trying to regain control of areas lost to the Houthis in September. Clashes were reported in the al-Mukha district, with both sides claiming advances. However, the situation on the ground remains unclear, with difficulties in verifying reports due to the rapid pace of developments and restricted access for journalists.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with over 200,000 people displaced since the latest round of fighting began, according to the International Organization for Migration. The organization warned that civilians are fleeing without finding safe places, calling for increased funding to address food and shelter needs. The United Nations also reported a surge in cholera cases, as well as outbreaks of measles, dengue fever, and malaria.
The Syrian government denied reports that it had received a request from Saudi Arabia to send troops to fight in Yemen or provide military assistance. Syrian Presidential adviser Ahmed Mufaq Zaidan stated that such reports were "lies" and that Damascus' regional policy focuses on stability and cooperation, not opening new fronts. This comes after a visit by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's envoy to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The United Nations has condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access. The conflict in Yemen reignited in July, after years of relative calm following a 2022 truce, leaving the country heavily reliant on aid. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian crisis and regional stability.
Key points
- The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels has led to a significant escalation of violence.
- The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with over 200,000 people displaced.
- The Syrian government has denied reports of providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthis.
