In brief
Saudi Arabia’s energy chief, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, has warned that the country will respond with equal severity following Houthi missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport and other facilities. The strikes, which have killed at least 14 people, are part of a long‑standing conflict that began with the 2014 Yemeni uprising and escalated after a Saudi-led coalition intervened. The Houthis claim retaliation for Saudi blockades and air strikes in Yemen, while Saudi forces continue to conduct air and maritime operations. The latest attacks threaten the security of Red Sea shipping lanes, particularly after the Houthis’ seizure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait has already disrupted global oil exports.
Kingdom’s energy chief, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, pledged a “serious” response after Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck Saudi airports and oil facilities, killing at least 14 people.
The attacks, including a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport and a bombing that killed a Pakistani national, have intensified a conflict that began in 2014 and escalated when a Saudi‑led coalition entered Yemen in 2015.
The Houthis say they retaliate for what they describe as Saudi aggression and blockades against ports and airports in Yemen, while Saudi forces have been conducting air strikes and maritime patrols to counter the rebel group.
The latest wave of strikes comes amid growing concerns over the security of international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, after the Houthis seized control of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait and disrupted oil exports.
Saudi sources say the response will be calibrated to the scale of the attacks, with a focus on protecting civilian infrastructure and preventing further escalation.
Published 15 minutes ago
