Saudi-Led Coalition and Houthis Exchange Threats Over Oil Facilities Amidst Escalating Yemen Conflict

The conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified on Tuesday, with both factions issuing threats concerning oil installations. The coalition reported conducting an operation targeting energy sites in Houthi-controlled territories within Yemen. These sites included Al Sabahah station in the capital, Sanaa, and fuel loading piers at the port of Hodeidah. According to coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki, the Houthis were utilizing civilian infrastructure to support their military activities and replenish their arsenals. He further stated that the operation aimed to neutralize the Houthis' capacity to threaten Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Red Sea, and international shipping routes. Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition had advised civilians to evacuate Al Sabahah, a facility owned by the Yemen Petroleum Company, prior to what they termed a “special operation.” This advisory was disseminated on social media by Maj Gen Al Malki, accompanied by a map of the affected area.

In retaliation, the Houthis declared that oil installations within Saudi Arabia would be regarded as legitimate targets and cautioned any civilians working at these locations to stay clear. The coalition also disclosed intercepting three missiles directed towards Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and Tuesday. Maj Gen Al Malki confirmed that one missile was aimed at Riyadh, while the other two were en route to Khamis Mushait. In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has been subjected to recurrent Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, including a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday that resulted in 13 fatalities and 308 injuries. Despite these disruptions, which have affected travel and prompted schools in Riyadh to adopt remote learning, residents reported that the city's roads remained busy, offices were operational, and sporting events proceeded as scheduled. A Lebanese resident in the Saudi capital, Christina, observed, “The usual traffic is there. The streets are full of cars.” She added, “I’m working from the office and the roads look completely normal on my way to work.” Concurrently, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging an immediate cessation of all attacks on Saudi Arabia, as stated by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Mr. Abdelatty reportedly conveyed that such attacks are unjustifiable.