Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack on Saudi Arabia, including drone and missile strikes targeting sites in Riyadh and state oil company Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The attack prompted the first air raid alert for Riyadh since fighting in Yemen intensified this month and caused significant disruption to King Khalid International Airport, raising concerns about regional escalation and global oil supply security.

Footage documented thick smoke and flames billowing near the airport's fuel storage depot and main terminal, with aircraft tracking data showing maximum disruption levels and multiple flight cancellations. Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea stated the strikes were retaliation for Saudi targeting of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, whilst dismissing accusations of targeting the holy city of Mecca. The Iran-backed group has been engaged in civil war with a Saudi-led coalition since 2014 and has recently seized strategic Red Sea islands, escalating concerns about threats to global shipping routes and oil supply.