Houthi Rebels Claim Massive Strikes on Saudi Oil Sites and Riyadh Airport
Houthi rebels claim six military operations targeting Aramco oil sites and King Khalid International Airport in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes.
In a bold escalation of regional tensions, the Houthi militia has claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure and military installations across Saudi Arabia, including the Houthi attacks Saudi Arabia aimed at the heart of its capital, Riyadh.
Six Strategic Operations Unleashed
Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthi group, announced that six distinct military operations were carried out using a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. According to Saree, these strikes were a direct response to what the group terms "Saudi aggression" against Yemen.
The spokesperson detailed the targets of these operations as follows:
- Riyadh: The first operation allegedly hit the King Khalid International Airport, as well as oil storage tanks and a distillation tower belonging to the state-owned energy giant, Aramco.
- Khurais: A second operation reportedly targeted Aramco facilities in this region.
- Dawadmi: The third strike allegedly hit Pumping Station No. 8.
- Najran: The fourth operation targeted a National Guard camp where Saudi military forces were concentrated.
- Al-Jawf Governorate: A fifth operation was carried out in three stages, targeting troop positions in the east.
- Marib Governorate: The sixth operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations east of the Raghwah and Madghal districts. Saree specifically mentioned the command of Saudi officer Fares Al-Shammari, claiming the strike left a significant number of dead and wounded.
While the Houthi spokesperson asserted that these operations caused several casualties among Saudi military personnel, these claims have not yet been independently verified.
A Cycle of Escalation
The Houthi group justifies these strikes as retaliation for ongoing Saudi military activity. In a post on X, Yahya Saree alleged that Saudi Arabia conducted 105 airstrikes and missile attacks within Yemen over a single 24-hour period. These strikes reportedly hit areas in Sanaa, Taiz, Amran, Hajjah, Saada, Marib, Al-Jawf, and Lahj.
Saree claimed that these Saudi attacks resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, predominantly women and children. He further stated that the total number of Saudi airstrikes since the current escalation began has reached 4,369.
"We will continue our operations deep inside Saudi territory, imposing the equation of blockade for blockade and escalation for escalation," Saree warned, vowing to continue targeting Saudi officers and troop concentrations.
Diplomatic Pleas and Foreign Interference
Amidst the violence, the internationally recognized government of Yemen is looking for international support to curb the Houthis' capabilities. Yemen's Foreign Minister, Afrah Al-Zouba, has urged Lebanon to coordinate measures to stop Hezbollah from providing military assistance to the Houthi militia.
Minister Al-Zouba called for heightened cooperation between the security and intelligence agencies of Yemen and Lebanon to prevent the flow of support that fuels Houthi military operations.