Riyadh hit with first air raid alerts

Saudi Arabia issued air raid alerts for Riyadh and other regions after explosions were reported. It was the first time alerts have been issued in the capital since the Houthis escalated attacks in July.

“It was the first time alerts have been issued in Riyadh since the Houthis increased their attacks and declared a "maritime embargo" on the Saudis in July.”

Houthis seize key shipping chokepoints

The Iran-backed group recently took control of the port city of Mokha and Perim Island, blocking a critical shipping route Saudi Arabia uses to export oil to Asia and Europe.

Oil facility attacks disrupt global markets

Last week, Houthis attacked Saudi oil facilities with drones and missiles, causing fires and temporary operational shutdowns. Global petrol and diesel prices have sharply risen in recent weeks.

Saudi Crown Prince seeks US military action

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally asked US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis. Trump has declined direct involvement but offered intelligence and targeting support.

Houthis cite Saudi air strikes as retaliation

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group launched drones and missiles in response to over 450 Saudi air strikes on their territory in the past week.

Yemen's humanitarian crisis deepens

Yemen's civil war, which began in 2014 and escalated after Saudi intervention in 2015, has killed over 150,000 people. More than 22 million Yemenis need humanitarian aid.