Saudi strikes Yemen as Houthi attacks hit Riyadh and Aramco, marking a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict. The Saudi-led coalition says it targeted Houthi-linked facilities, while missile interceptions, the Aramco Dhahran attack and Red Sea security concerns have raised fears of wider disruption.
Saudi strikes Yemen oil facilities
The Saudi-led coalition carried out strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen after renewed attacks against Saudi territory. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said facilities in Sanaa, Dhamar and Saada were targeted because they were being used to support military operations threatening Saudi Arabia and regional waterways.
Saudi state reporting has also confirmed that coalition operations are focused on dismantling Houthi military capabilities, including ballistic and cruise missile networks. Earlier operations destroyed scores of targets in Houthi-held areas, according to the coalition.
Houthi missiles target Riyadh
Saudi air defences have intercepted missiles aimed at Riyadh as Houthi attacks intensify. The coalition confirmed that a cruise missile was destroyed near King Khalid International Airport, while another projectile struck Terminal 4 and caused a fire.
The airport attacks caused civilian deaths and injuries, prompting condemnation from Saudi Arabia and several regional partners. Residents in Riyadh have also received alerts warning of hostile aerial threats as security measures tighten.
Aramco Dhahran attack
Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Dhahran was targeted on Tuesday evening. The incident caused a limited fire, but authorities reported no injuries or fatalities.
The attack has increased concern over the security of the kingdom's energy infrastructure. Dhahran is a major centre for Saudi Aramco, making any strike in the area economically and strategically sensitive.
Red Sea security concerns
The escalation is also placing renewed attention on the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, two critical routes for global shipping and energy supplies. Saudi officials have said they will act to protect navigation and prevent threats to commercial vessels and vital infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz is another source of pressure as regional conflict disrupts energy flows. Any simultaneous instability around Hormuz and the Red Sea could force shipping companies to change routes and raise transport, insurance and fuel costs.
Saudi economy under pressure
The security crisis comes as Saudi Arabia faces a difficult economic backdrop. The IMF's October 2026 outlook projects Saudi real GDP to contract by 3.3% this year, reflecting broader regional and energy-related pressures.
Repeated Houthi attacks on airports, energy facilities and shipping routes could add further uncertainty. Riyadh is balancing military security, economic stability and protection of critical infrastructure as the confrontation with the Houthis deepens.
