Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacks on two Aramco sites in Saudi Arabia. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, targeted Aramco's facilities in Riyadh and Khurais. According to Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree, the attacks were carried out using ballistic missiles and drones. The spokesperson claimed that the attacks were precise and caused significant fires at the targeted sites.

The attacks come after a similar incident on Saturday, in which a fire broke out at an Aramco facility south of Riyadh. The incident was reported by Reuters, which cited eyewitnesses as describing a large fire and black smoke billowing from the site. The Houthi rebels have been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the Yemeni government.

In a related development, Houthi rebels have cut off a major road connecting the city of Taiz to the port city of Aden. The road, which is a vital supply line, was blocked on Sunday, according to sources. The move is seen as an attempt by the Houthis to tighten their grip on the region. The rebels have also imposed a blockade on the city of Taiz, which has led to concerns about the humanitarian situation.

The Yemeni government has responded to the Houthi attacks by launching a new military operation aimed at retaking territory controlled by the rebels. The operation, which was announced by Yemeni President Rashad Al-Alimi, aims to restore state control over the entire country. Al-Alimi called on Yemenis to rally behind the military and support the government's efforts to defeat the Houthis.

The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with thousands of civilians killed or displaced. The Houthi rebels have been accused of human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers and arbitrary detention. The Saudi-led coalition has also faced criticism for its role in the conflict, including allegations of civilian casualties and war crimes.

The international community has expressed concern about the escalating conflict in Yemen. The United Nations has called for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, while the United States and other countries have provided military support to the Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has also had significant economic implications, including the impact on oil production and global energy prices.

The Houthi rebels' claims of responsibility for the Aramco attacks are likely to exacerbate tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Saudi government has not commented on the attacks, but it is likely to respond with military force. The conflict in Yemen is likely to continue, with significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.

Key points

  • The Houthi rebels' attacks on Aramco sites in Riyadh and Khurais have escalated tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
  • The Yemeni government has launched a new military operation aimed at retaking territory controlled by the Houthi rebels.
  • The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with thousands of civilians killed or displaced.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.