The Houthi rebels of Yemen claimed ballistic missile, cruise missile, and drone attacks against Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and against Saudi Aramco facilities in the port city of Yanbu, on the western coast of the country.
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The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that Houthi forces carried out “two successful military operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.”
“The first targeted strategic points in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and the second was directed against Aramco facilities in Yanbu,” Saree said.
The Houthis did not provide details about the specific targets that may have been hit in Riyadh nor about the extent of any possible damage.
Until that moment, Saudi authorities have not officially confirmed possible casualties or damage caused by the attacks. However, based on images and videos shared on social media, black smoke columns could be seen over the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
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Saree stated that the operations were carried out in response to Saudi actions against Sana’a, the capital of Yemen controlled by the Houthis.
The group also linked the offensive to accusations made against them for an alleged attack on Mecca and to the operations of the Riyadh-led military coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
“The false propaganda spread by the Saudi enemy’s media, claiming that we attacked civilians, is unfounded,” Saree said, assuring that they will continue responding “until the aggression ceases and the blockade on Yemen is lifted.”
Hours earlier, Saudi authorities had issued emergency alerts in eight cities, including Riyadh, due to the possibility of Houthi attacks. Later, those alerts were declared over.
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