Saudi Arabia Reports Houthi Attack Near Riyadh Airport, Raising Oil Concerns
The incident marks an escalation in the conflict, with potential implications for global oil supplies and regional stability.
Saudi Arabia experienced an escalation of its conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels when an attack occurred near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The incident prompted an air-raid alert in the capital, raising concerns about the widening Middle East war and its potential impact on critical oil routes.
Video footage depicted a large plume of black smoke rising near the airport following loud explosions overnight. Saudi authorities temporarily canceled flights and issued warnings of a potential aerial attack before declaring an all-clear.
The Houthi rebels, who recently advanced along the Red Sea coast and are asserting control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, are increasingly seen as a threat to global oil supplies. This situation comes as crude oil prices have surpassed $100 a barrel. The strait is a key alternative export route for Saudi Arabia, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of a standoff between the United States and Iran.
Reports indicate that Houthi advances in Yemen have led to the closure of shops and deserted streets and schools in Mokha, a port city historically significant for the coffee trade. The Houthis claim that Saudi Arabia conducted 26 air attacks against them within a 24-hour period leading up to Friday.
Last week, there were reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman sought military support from President Trump for the campaign against the Houthis, but the president reportedly did not agree to the request. President Trump is scheduled for diplomatic engagements at the United Nations later this week.
The pressure on global oil supplies has been mounting. Saudi Aramco informed its European customers that they would not receive crude oil next month, citing attacks on the country's East-West pipeline, which the company attributes to the Houthis, according to Bloomberg News.
In a separate development, Iran announced Saturday the execution of Hossein Pedaran, who was accused of providing information about its nuclear sites to Mossad. Details regarding his arrest or trial were not provided by the judiciary.