Houthis Claim Direct Missile Strike on Saudi Defense Ministry
Yemen's Houthi forces assert they successfully targeted Saudi Arabia's defense ministry in Riyadh with a ballistic missile.
Houthis claim a direct hit on Saudi Arabia's defense ministry in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia intercepted two missiles earlier on the same day.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified recently.
On Tuesday, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced that they targeted the Saudi Ministry of Defense in Riyadh with a ballistic missile, claiming a direct hit. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated, "Our armed forces targeted the Ministry of Defence in the enemy Saudi capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile and the hit was direct." This assertion follows reports from Saudi authorities that they intercepted two missiles launched by the Houthis earlier that day, with explosions reportedly heard in the capital.
The Houthi claims extend beyond the defense ministry, as they also asserted responsibility for an attack on Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia's largest oil refinery located near the Gulf. Saree indicated that the missile strike on the refinery resulted in significant fires, although Saudi officials have not confirmed this incident. Residents in Al Khobar, a city south of the refinery, reported hearing a loud explosion and receiving alerts on their mobile devices.
Maritime security agency Vanguard confirmed the fire at Ras Tanura, stating it was contained, but the extent of the damage and its impact on oil-loading operations remain uncertain. The hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis have escalated since September, coinciding with heightened tensions in the region involving the United States and Iran.
In a related development, an Israeli newspaper reported that Saudi Arabia has proposed a $1 billion financial package to the Houthis through an Iran-mediated agreement aimed at securing a ceasefire and stopping attacks on Saudi territory. This proposal reportedly includes direct negotiations involving Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who was said to have traveled to Iran with the financial offer. The meeting also included representatives from Turkey and Pakistan, partners in the Mecca pact.
The Saudi defense ministry characterized the visit to Tehran as part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue among the conflicting parties. They emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions and the mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan in addressing the current crisis.
