Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi strikes after Riyadh airport, Aramco refinery in Rabigh targeted
Houthi rebels claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Riyadh airport and an Aramco refinery, prompting a fierce response from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has issued a fierce condemnation following a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which targeted critical infrastructure including a major airport in Riyadh and an Aramco refinery.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Strikes After Riyadh Airport, Aramco Refinery Targeted
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strongest denunciation of what it described as "terrorist" actions by the Houthi militia. The attacks, which reportedly involved a large number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, hit several strategic locations across the Kingdom, causing disruption to air traffic and sparking fires at industrial sites.
Houthi Rebels Claim 'Qualitative' Military Operations
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, claimed responsibility for the operations, describing them as "three qualitative military operations." According to the rebel group, the strikes were intended to be precise and direct. The specific targets mentioned by the spokesperson included:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh: The Houthi group claimed this strike caused significant disruption to air traffic.
- Aramco Refinery in Rabigh: Saree alleged that the strike on the refinery was successful and resulted in a fire breaking out at the facility.
- Multiple Military and Regional Sites: The group also claimed to have targeted Abha Airport, the Khamis Mushait Air Base, the Aqifa camp in Asir, and other critical locations in Najran and Jizan.
The Houthi leadership stated that these strikes were a direct retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes against Yemen. Saree claimed that Saudi Arabia had launched 60 airstrikes and missile attacks within a 24-hour period, targeting Sana'a and several other governorates, resulting in civilian casualties.
Saudi Arabia Defends Sovereignty and Rejects Escalation
In response to the attacks, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a stern statement condemning the targeting of civilian, economic, and holy sites. The Ministry highlighted that the Houthi militia has repeatedly attacked the holiest sites on earth—Makkah and Madinah—as well as major cities like Riyadh, Abha, Jazan, and Yanbu.
The Ministry also pointed to the ongoing threat to Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. While Saudi Arabia has maintained that it has consistently sought a political settlement in Yemen since the Houthi takeover in 2014, the government accused the rebels of choosing military escalation to serve "external agendas."
A Warning to International Airlines
Adding to the tension, the Houthi spokesperson issued a warning to international airlines operating within Saudi airspace. The warning specifically excluded the "sacred airspace" over Makkah and Medina, suggesting that other flight paths could be subject to further military action.
The Saudi government reaffirmed its inherent right to defend its territory, resources, and sovereignty. The Ministry stated it would take all necessary measures to protect its citizens and residents in accordance with international law, while continuing its political and military support for the Presidential Leadership Council to restore state institutions in Yemen.