Residents of Riyadh reported hearing strong explosions on Thursday, as the Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for a new ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport. The attack is the latest in a series of escalating strikes by the Houthis on Saudi targets. According to eyewitnesses, the explosions were loud and could be heard across the city. The Houthis have been engaged in a conflict with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government for several years.
The Houthis announced the attack on King Khalid International Airport in a statement, claiming they had targeted the facility with a ballistic missile. The airport is a major hub for international flights and serves as a key transportation link for the Saudi capital. The attack comes as the conflict in Yemen continues to intensify, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Houthis have been accused of launching numerous attacks on Saudi targets, including airports, military bases, and civilian areas.
The Saudi authorities reported that three people were killed and 36 injured in Houthi attacks on Abha and King Khalid airports on Tuesday and Wednesday. The attacks were part of a broader escalation by the Houthis, who have been backed by Iran in the conflict. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, and the conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with over 200,000 people displaced, according to the United Nations.
The conflict in Yemen has been marked by intense fighting in recent weeks, with both sides vying for control of key territories. The Houthis have made significant gains in recent months, capturing the western coast of Yemen and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Saudi-led coalition has launched a counterattack to retake control of the lost territories, with the support of airstrikes and ground troops.
The escalation of the conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions of people are in need of aid. The United Nations has warned of a potential famine in the country, and aid agencies have struggled to access areas controlled by the Houthis. The conflict has also had significant economic impacts, with the Saudi-led coalition imposing a blockade on Yemen that has limited the flow of goods and aid into the country.
The Houthis have been accused of using Iranian-supplied missiles and drones to launch attacks on Saudi targets. The Iranian government has denied providing direct military support to the Houthis, but has acknowledged providing humanitarian aid. The conflict in Yemen has become a key point of contention between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with both countries vying for influence in the region.
The international community has called for a ceasefire in Yemen, but efforts to negotiate a peace agreement have been hindered by the escalation of violence. The conflict is expected to continue to have significant humanitarian and economic impacts, and efforts to find a peaceful resolution are ongoing. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and determined to achieve their objectives.
Key points
- Houthi rebels claim responsibility for ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- Conflict in Yemen has resulted in over 200,000 displaced people, according to the United Nations
- Saudi-led coalition launches counterattack to retake control of territories lost to Houthis
