Houthis claim major attack on Riyadh

Iran-backed Houthi militants say they launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Saudi Arabia's capital and oil facilities on the Red Sea coast on Saturday.

Saudi defences intercept missile

Saudi authorities said they destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, though black smoke was seen rising from fuel tanks near the international airport, causing temporary flight disruptions.

First air raid alerts since July escalation

Riyadh residents heard explosions and received civil defence alerts for the first time since the Houthis intensified attacks in July. One resident said their windows shook from the blasts.

“I heard the alarm, then my windows shook. It was definitely scary.”

Houthis cite Saudi strikes on Sanaa

Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea said the attacks were retaliation for Saudi strikes on the Yemeni capital Sanaa, which the Houthis control. He claimed Saudi Arabia carried out 300 strikes on Yemen in the past week.

Fighting kills dozens in Yemen

An unconfirmed report said 48 people died in fighting on Saturday, with the Houthis claiming 31 fighter losses and Saudi-backed government forces reporting 17 soldiers killed. Over 104,000 people have been displaced recently.

Houthis control key shipping chokepoint

The Houthis recently seized the port city of Mokha and Perim Island, controlling a gateway to a major shipping route. Saudi vessels depend on this Red Sea passage for oil exports to Asia and Europe.

Oil price outlook remains uncertain

JP Morgan said it cannot predict how the conflict will affect oil prices, telling investors it simply doesn't know how to model the endgame as Saudi Arabia struggles to maintain exports through the Red Sea.

“We simply don't know how to model the endgame.”