Riyadh Hit by Major Attack: Houthis Target Aramco Facility With Ballistic Missiles and Drones

Yemen: Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed to have targeted a Saudi Aramco facility in the Saudi capital Riyadh. According to the Houthis, both ballistic missiles and drones were used in this attack. However, the attack has not yet been officially confirmed by Saudi authorities.

Was Aramco facility in Riyadh targeted?

A large plume of smoke and fire was seen around an Aramco facility in Riyadh on Saturday, according to a Reuters report. After this the Houthis claimed that they had carried out this attack. Saudi officials did not immediately confirm the incident, while there was no immediate reaction from Aramco on the matter.

The Houthis say that this action has been taken in response to the military action taken by Saudi Arabia against Yemen.

What weapons did the Houthis use in the attack?

According to the Houthi rebels, both ballistic missiles and drones were used in the attack. They allege that Saudi Arabia had launched attacks in Yemen's capital Sanaa and other parts of the country, in response to which Riyadh and other targets were targeted.

In their statement, the Houthis have described this action as a retaliatory attack. However, the extent of damage or casualties from the attack has not yet been independently confirmed.

Why is tension increasing between Saudi Arabia and Houthis?

This incident has come to light at a time when tension between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis is continuously increasing. Houthi rebels have earlier also claimed to target military and energy-related targets in Saudi Arabia.

Last week, the Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Yemen's Yanbu area. After this the tension between the two sides increased further.

Had Saudi Arabia stopped missile attacks by Houthis before?

Earlier, Saudi Arabia had claimed that it had stopped six ballistic missiles fired by Houthis towards Taif and Yanbu areas of Yemen. However, at that time Saudi Arabia did not report any damage to Aramco facilities.

Currently, images of smoke and fire emerging around Aramco's facility in Riyadh have raised concerns about rising tensions in the region. An official response from Saudi authorities and detailed information on the damage caused by the attack is awaited.