Houthis Claim Missile-Drone Strike on Aramco Facility in Riyadh, Escalating Saudi-Yemen Tensions

New Delhi: Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified after the Houthis claimed to have launched a combined ballistic missile and drone attack targeting an Aramco facility in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The Houthis said the attack was carried out in retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sana’a and other parts of Yemen. According to an eyewitness, large plumes of smoke and fire were seen rising from the vicinity of the Aramco facility in Riyadh.

Saudi authorities have not immediately confirmed the reported attack, while Saudi Aramco had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.

The latest claim comes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with the rebel group increasingly targeting Saudi cities and energy infrastructure. Last week, the Houthis also claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks against Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

Saudi Arabia said at the time that it had intercepted six ballistic missiles fired toward the Taif and Yanbu areas. No damage to Aramco facilities was reported by Saudi authorities following that incident.

The latest developments raise fresh concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical energy infrastructure and the potential for further escalation in the region.