Houthis say they targeted Saudi capital with ballistic missiles - BBC News
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Houthi Missile Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen claim they carried out drone and ballistic missile attacks on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as well as energy sites along the country's Red Sea coast.
Saudi authorities confirmed intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh but did not report any further strikes or casualties.
Earlier, black smoke was observed rising from fuel tanks near Riyadh International Airport, temporarily disrupting flights. Air raid alerts sounded in the capital for the first time since July when Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensified.
Air defences also foiled "hostile attempts" to target civilians in Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, according to a statement from the Saudi-led coalition spokesperson.
In an online statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea claimed a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones were used to attack "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and Aramco oil and gas facilities in Yanbu. He justified the attacks as retaliation for Saudi Arabia's alleged targeting of Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
Sarea accused Saudi Arabia of conducting 300 strikes across Yemen in the past week.
The Houthis, locked in a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia, have previously attacked Saudi targets and claimed responsibility for downing a Saudi fighter jet over Yemen this week.
An unconfirmed report from AFP news agency cited military sources suggesting that fighting between Houthis and Saudi-backed forces resulted in 48 deaths on Saturday: 31 Houthi fighters and 17 government troops, according to the news agency.
On Friday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported over 104,796 internally displaced persons due to recent fighting in Yemen.
Escalating Tensions and Impact
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Saudi Oil Crisis: How escalating tensions could drive up global oil prices.
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Air Raid Alerts in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia issues first air raid alerts for the capital since Houthi attacks intensified.
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Disruptions at Riyadh Airport: Flames were seen at a burnt-out Aramco fuel tank, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
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Unconfirmed Death Toll: Reports suggest fighting claimed 48 lives on Saturday between Houthis and government forces.