Houthi Forces Launch Six Attacks on Saudi Arabia Amidst Diplomatic Efforts

Iran-backed Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for a series of six attacks targeting airports and oil facilities across Saudi Arabia. These claims come despite a recent high-level meeting in Tehran between senior Saudi and Iranian officials, where both sides expressed a commitment to resolving regional differences through dialogue. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan attended this significant meeting. However, following these positive statements, Houthi forces have continued their missile and drone assaults on the Kingdom and Saudi-backed forces within Yemen.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated via X that the strikes were directed at critical commercial and military infrastructure, impacting locations from Saudi Arabia's east and west coasts to Riyadh and the southern region of Najran. According to Saree's statement, specific targets included the Ras Tanura oil refinery with a ballistic missile, an Aramco facility in Abqaiq with a missile, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with multiple missiles, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with a drone, the Rabigh oil refinery with a ballistic missile, and a Saudi military headquarters in Najran. Independent verification of these claims was not immediately available.

The escalation in hostilities occurs despite diplomatic efforts this week aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, particularly the cross-border conflict between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia. Following the meeting of Iran, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in Tehran on Monday, an official Iranian press release cited by the Fars news agency indicated that participants agreed to continue discussions to enhance cooperation among the four regional nations. The meeting, which focused on regional peace and security, was hosted by Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei and attended by Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The Saudi foreign ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining negotiation channels to prevent a resurgence of military escalation.

The Houthi spokesman's announcement on Thursday followed a statement from the Saudi-led coalition, which reported that its air defences had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis towards the capital. According to coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki, shrapnel from the interception wounded one Saudi citizen in Riyadh, and also damaged a house and a vehicle. Warning alerts for potential incoming threats had been issued in Riyadh, al-Kharj governorates, and Najran city prior to the interception announcement. Earlier on Thursday, the internationally recognized Yemeni government urged the UN Security Council to implement deterrent and punitive measures to halt Houthi attacks on Aden International Airport.