Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed Saturday that they launched missile and drone strikes targeting sensitive sites in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu. The announcement followed reports of explosions, an overnight air raid alert in the Saudi capital, and a large plume of black smoke rising near King Khalid International Airport.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the group carried out two operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones. He described the Riyadh targets as sensitive sites and said the second operation hit Aramco infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The Houthis framed the actions as retaliation for recent Saudi strikes on Sanaa.

Saudi authorities issued a hostile aerial threat alert overnight, urging residents to stay indoors, before declaring an all-clear. Firefighters later extinguished a blaze on an Aramco-labeled fuel tank at a depot near the airport. Flight tracking data showed temporary disruptions at Riyadh's main airport, with some flights delayed before operations resumed.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh at dawn. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki added that other attempted attacks on sites in Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu were thwarted. No official Saudi confirmation addressed the Houthis' specific claims of successful hits.

This marks the first direct threat to Riyadh since the recent escalation in the Yemen conflict. The Houthis, who control significant territory in Yemen and receive support from Iran, have intensified operations amid broader regional tensions. Saudi Arabia backs Yemen's internationally recognized government in the ongoing civil war.

The incident highlights ongoing risks to Saudi infrastructure and global energy supplies. Aramco facilities have faced threats before, and any disruption near major export hubs raises concerns about oil market stability. Residents in Riyadh reported hearing explosions, though details on damage remain limited pending further statements.

Saudi forces have conducted numerous airstrikes in Houthi-held areas of Yemen in response to cross-border attacks. The cycle of retaliation continues without signs of immediate de-escalation.