# Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia

> Iran-backed group targets oil facilities and issues naval blockade, forcing Riyadh to issue first air raid alerts in months.
- Title: Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: Iran-backed group targets oil facilities and issues naval blockade, forcing Riyadh to issue first air raid alerts in months. Houthi attacks on Saudi oil…
- Keywords: houthis, saudi arabia, yemen, iran-backed group, red sea, oil attacks, air raid alerts, riyadh, maritime embargo, donald trump, middle east conflict, news
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmed7el18dxpo
- Published: 2026-09-19T04:20:47.874+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: houthis, saudi arabia, yemen, iran-backed group, red sea, oil attacks, air raid alerts, riyadh, maritime embargo, donald trump, middle east conflict, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure are disrupting global energy markets and pushing the US to choose between military involvement and diplomatic support.