Riyadh targeted in direct attack by Yemeni Ansar Allah forces

The Yemeni Ansar Allah group launched a direct attack on the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. During the attack on Saturday, detonations were heard in the city, and black smoke rose from a fuel depot at King Khalid International Airport. Other targets included Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, a location where the East-West pipeline ends and Saudi Aramco operates major refinery facilities.

In response to the escalation, Saudi Arabia has conducted hundreds of airstrikes against Yemen. The Houthi group stated the attack was a retaliation for these strikes. Beyond Riyadh, strategic targets have been hit this month, including a pumping station on the East-West oil pipeline, which serves as a critical bypass for the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Houthi forces captured Perim Island in the Red Sea, located near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Saudi Arabia is seeking international support through the Makkah Pact, an agreement with Pakistan and Egypt stating that an attack on one partner is an attack on all. Pakistan has already stationed approximately 8,000 soldiers and air defense units in Saudi Arabia. Turkey has also offered military assistance, specifically regarding technical matters and potential weapons deliveries, such as drones and air defense systems, to help mitigate the depletion of Saudi interception capabilities.