Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have intensified their campaign of strikes against Saudi Arabia, targeting the kingdom's airspace and oil facilities with missile fire that has resulted in fatalities. The group claimed to have struck Riyadh airport, where witnesses observed smoke billowing from a plane. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating conflict and its potential impact on the region. The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia due to its support for government forces in Yemen's civil war.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen reported that they had destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh and another towards Khamis Mushayt, home to a major airbase. The smoke at Riyadh airport was rising from a stationary aircraft believed to be empty, and the fire had since been extinguished. However, the cause of the smoke was not immediately clear, and Saudi authorities did not provide immediate confirmation of the Houthi claims.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, displacing 200,000 people since the fighting resumed. The Houthis have made gains in the war, surrounding Yemen's third-largest city, Taiz, by taking territory along its main mountain road to Aden. The Saudi-backed government has launched a counterattack, taking back areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering losses.
The Houthis have warned workers to stay away from oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, stating that they would be targeted. Debris from an intercepted Houthi missile had landed in Riyadh, causing damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for further escalation.
Saudi Arabia has sought support from allied nations, including Turkey and Pakistan, to help in the fight against the Houthis. Turkey has announced that it is sending mainly defensive and technical support to the kingdom, including military equipment, intelligence sharing, and weapons systems. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about the potential for the conflict to draw in other states.
Syria is reportedly considering options for military support, including defensive aid to protect Saudi Arabia from attacks or an offensive deployment to help take the fight to the Houthis. A Syrian diplomat stated that Syria stands firmly with Saudi Arabia but prioritizes domestic issues, such as recovery from its own civil war. The US and Syrian defence officials have confirmed that Syria is weighing its options.
The escalating conflict has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the potential for further instability and humanitarian crises. The situation remains fluid, with both sides suffering losses and the international community closely monitoring developments. The WPC Energy Congress, scheduled to take place in Riyadh this week, may be impacted by the situation, with several multinational firms advising staff to work from home.
Key points
- The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have resulted in fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure.
- The conflict in Yemen has displaced 200,000 people since the fighting resumed.
- Saudi Arabia has sought support from allied nations, including Turkey and Pakistan, to help in the fight against the Houthis.
