# US warns Saudi-Houthi conflict could escalate rapidly

> US says Saudi-Houthi conflict may escalate rapidly after missile attack on Riyadh.
- Title: US warns Saudi-Houthi conflict could escalate rapidly
- Summary: US says Saudi-Houthi conflict may escalate rapidly after missile attack on Riyadh. The US warned hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis…
- Keywords: saudi arabia, houthi, yemen, missile attack, riyadh, ballistic missile, f-35 fighter jets, oil supply, regional stability, yemeni conflict, saudi coalition, warns
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/20/us-says-saudi-houthi-conflict-could-escalate-rapidly/235885
- Published: 2026-09-20T16:31:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: saudi arabia, houthi, yemen, us, missile attack, riyadh, ballistic missile, f-35 fighter jets, oil supply, regional stability, yemeni conflict, saudi coalition
## US warns conflict could escalate
The US warned hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could escalate rapidly after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed.

> The US has issued a warning about the potential rapid escalation of hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis following a missile attack targeting Riyadh.
## Missile attack on Riyadh
Loud explosions rang out twice in Riyadh, where AFP journalists saw a fuel tank bearing the logo of oil giant Aramco on fire near the airport.

> Loud explosions rang out twice yesterday in the Saudi capital, where AFP journalists saw a fuel tank bearing the logo of oil giant Aramco on fire near the airport.
## Saudi coalition intercepts missile
The Riyadh-led coalition confirmed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis was successfully intercepted and destroyed.

> The coalition confirmed yesterday evening on X that a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards the capital was "successfully intercepted and destroyed".
## Houthis target civilian areas
The coalition said pro-Iranian fighters tried to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in cities including Yanbu, an important export hub for Saudi oil.

> The coalition added that the pro-Iranian fighters had tried to target "civilians and civilian infrastructure" in several cities in the west of the kingdom, including the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, an important export hub for Saudi oil.
## Saudi airstrikes fail
Saudi Arabia has responded with scores of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas but failed to stop the Houthi advance.

> Saudi Arabia has responded with scores of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas but failed to stop the advance.
## Houthis conduct retaliatory strikes
The Houthis reported carrying out two successful military operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones targeting Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

> The Houthis said it had responded to recent Saudi attacks by carrying out "two successful military operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones".
## US approves F-35 sale
The US approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help deter current and future threats.

> Washington approved a US$24.3 billion (RM99.23 billion) sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom on Thursday to help Riyadh "deter current and future threats".
## Houthis claim control of Red Sea coast
The Houthis have reported taking control of the vital Bab al-Mandab strait along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline.

> The group has reported scores of retaliatory strikes carried out daily by Riyadh since their offensive this month to take over the country’s entire Red Sea coast, giving them control over the vital Bab al-Mandab strait.
## Fragile truce collapsed
The fragile truce reached in 2022 between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis collapsed in July when the Houthis allowed an Iranian aircraft to land in Yemen.

> The fragile truce reached in 2022 between the warring parties collapsed in July, when the Houthis defied Riyadh’s control of Yemeni airspace by allowing an Iranian aircraft to land in Yemen.
## US State Department warning
The US State Department warned American citizens outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region due to the escalating conflict.

> The US State Department warned, adding American citizens outside the Middle East should "seriously reconsider travel to and through the region".
## Key takeaway

The US warned hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could escalate rapidly following a missile attack targeting Riyadh.