Residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, received an all-clear after air raid alerts. Explosions were reported in the capital. This marked the first alerts since July when Houthi attacks increased.
The Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts late Friday and Saturday morning. The conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis continues to escalate. Journalists from Reuters and AFP heard explosions but authorities declared the danger had passed. Residents were advised to avoid crowds.
Recently, the Houthis took control of Mokha port city and Perim Island. These locations are crucial for shipping routes used by Saudi Arabia for exports. The Houthi military spokesman stated that their naval blockade is retaliation for a Saudi blockade on ports in Yemen.
Saudi vessels have depended on this part of the Red Sea for oil exports. This reliance grew after conflicts closed the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Houthis attacked several Saudi oil facilities using drones and missiles, causing temporary halts in operations.
These attacks have affected global energy markets significantly. Prices for petrol and diesel have risen sharply due to these disruptions and existing blockades.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked US President Donald Trump for military action against the Houthis, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, Trump has not committed to direct military involvement but offered intelligence support instead.
A senior official from Trump’s administration stated they are in ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding regional stability. Earlier this week, Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed their attacks were retaliation for over 450 Saudi airstrikes on Houthi territory.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday. Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia called for decisive action against the Houthis, accusing them of choking Bab al-Mandab Strait to apply economic pressure.
Council members agreed on maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea to protect global supply chains. Yemen has faced a civil war since 2014 when Houthis ousted its government from Sanaa. The conflict escalated in 2015 with a Saudi-led coalition intervening.
The fighting has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and created one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. More than 22 million people require some form of aid, according to UN reports.
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