Houthis Claims Fresh Attack on Saudi Capital: Riyadh Airport, Oil Pipeline Hit

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed that it launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting a major airport, an oil pipeline and several military positions. The group said one drone targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while two others struck Pumping Station No. 3 on the East-West oil pipeline. The attacks were reported by Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV on Friday. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not yet commented on the reported strikes.

Riyadh Airport and Oil Infrastructure Targeted

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the drone attacks on the airport and oil pipeline had achieved their targets. He also claimed that two ballistic missiles struck gatherings of Saudi forces in the Al-Tuwal area of the Jazan region in southwestern Saudi Arabia. According to him, dozens of people were killed or injured in the strikes, including Sudanese nationals.

In another attack, the Houthis claimed to have targeted Saudi-linked military positions in eastern Al-Jawf province in northern Yemen and the Kharaz and Khor Umairah areas of southern Lahj province. Sarea said the missiles directly hit their targets and caused several casualties. However, no independent confirmation of these claims was available.

Military Bases Also Reportedly Hit

The Houthi spokesperson further claimed that ballistic missiles and drones struck Saudi weapons storage facilities at the Ras Abas military base in Aden, a port city in southern Yemen. The group said the attacks were part of a wider operation against Saudi-linked military positions in Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia.

The latest claims come amid continued fighting between Houthi fighters and Yemeni government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition. Clashes have continued across several parts of Yemen, particularly near the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis have also claimed similar attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military installations in the past.

Background of Yemen's Conflict

Yemen has been facing a civil war since late 2014, when Houthi fighters captured the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen. In 2015, Saudi Arabia led a military coalition to support Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Houthis. The conflict has continued for years, causing widespread destruction and a major humanitarian crisis across the country.