Escalating Tensions Between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi Rebels

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia reported that Houthi rebels from Yemen attempted to attack its capital, Riyadh, using a ballistic missile. This incident marks the first targeting of Riyadh since the recent escalation in confrontations with the Tehran-backed rebels, introducing a new dimension to the ongoing Iran conflict. The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in a battle against the Houthis, stated they intercepted the attack, which occurred at dawn. Residents in Riyadh reported hearing an explosion, and some noticed smoke near the airport. Fortunately, there were no casualties or property damage reported.

The coalition’s statement also mentioned thwarted attempts by the Houthis to target civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, which hosts a critical endpoint of a Saudi pipeline, as well as in Taif, Baysh, and Farasan. Further specifics on these incidents were not disclosed. The Houthis had earlier claimed that they targeted ‘sensitive sites’ in Riyadh along with facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, alleging significant fires without providing concrete proof. Aramco, the largest oil company globally, did not offer any comments on these claims.

This intensifying conflict near another crucial international shipping lane has brought added stress to markets. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree asserted their use of cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones in the attacks. He accused Saudi Arabia of attempts to attack Sanaa, a rebel-stronghold city in Yemen, although specifics of these accusations were not detailed. Independent verification of these claims by the Associated Press was not possible.

Recent days have witnessed a succession of escalations. A civilian casualty was reported on Thursday when Saudi Arabia’s civil defense reported that debris from an intercepted Houthi drone resulted in the death of a Yemeni resident in Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attempting to attack Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, using a drone, which they also intercepted. Saudi officials emphasized that the security of Mecca is a ‘red line.’ The Houthis strongly refuted this accusation.

The United States, allied closely with Saudi Arabia, indicated that it presently does not have an ongoing conflict with the Houthis. Regional authorities informed the Associated Press that Saudi Arabia faces a shortage of missile interceptors and has sought air defense assistance from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. Meanwhile, internal conflict has intensified in Yemen between the Houthis and the Saudi-supported, internationally recognized government. Over a week ago, the rebels advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing the significant port city of Mokha and islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical point at the southern end of the Red Sea. This takeover has enhanced their monitoring capabilities over passing ships, although the Houthis declared that their targets are exclusively Saudi vessels.

This surge in combat reflects a return to a harrowing civil war within Yemen after a four-year period of relative peace.