Houthis Claim Attacks on Saudi Airbase and Aramco Facilities
Yemen’s Houthi movement says it has launched missile and drone attacks against a Saudi military airbase and Aramco facilities, as fighting between the group and Saudi-backed forces intensifies.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Wednesday that the group targeted the Khamis Mushait airbase in southwestern Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles. He also said dozens of missiles and drones were launched at Aramco facilities in Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
The Houthis claimed the Yanbu attack caused large fires and extensive damage, while saying the missiles targeting Khamis Mushait hit their intended targets. Saudi authorities and Aramco had not confirmed the reported attacks or the extent of any damage at the time of reporting.
Saree said the attacks were carried out in response to what the Houthis described as more than 450 Saudi airstrikes across Yemen during the past week. The group has threatened to continue strikes inside Saudi Arabia until Riyadh stops its air campaign and lifts restrictions on Houthi-controlled areas.
The latest claims come amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. The renewed conflict has also increased concerns over regional security and the strategically important Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping route.
The Houthis have previously claimed attacks against Saudi energy infrastructure and military installations during the latest escalation, while Saudi authorities have confirmed some attacks and disputed or provided different accounts of others.
