Saudi Arabia issues air raid alerts as Houthi fighting escalates
Smoke plumes rose over Saudi Arabia’s capital Saturday after explosions were heard near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, prompting the government to issue air-raid alerts as fighting with Iran-backed Houthi forces in neighboring Yemen escalates.
TL;DR
- Explosions heard near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport prompted air-raid alerts.
- Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, including Riyadh and Yanbu.
- The attacks are retaliation for Saudi military operations in Yemen.
- The fighting has escalated, impacting shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and increasing reliance on alternative oil routes.
- Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, crucial for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, was shut down due to damaged infrastructure.
- Disruptions to oil shipments have led to a climb in oil prices above $100 per barrel.