Four Strikes in 24 Hours: Houthis Escalate Attacks on Saudi Critical Infrastructure
A military spokesperson for Yemen's Houthi forces confirmed a series of coordinated operations against Saudi Arabia on October 12th. According to the statement, the group employed a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to execute four targeted strikes within a single day.
Initial Strike: Disrupting the Capital's Air Hub
The first operation, launched in phases starting the previous night, targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attack successfully disrupted all air transport activity, leading to the complete shutdown of the airport. As a primary international gateway, its incapacitation caused immediate logistical repercussions.
Hitting the Energy Sector
The next two strikes focused on vital energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The second operation hit the Shaybah Natural Gas Liquids facility, operated by Saudi Aramco. The strike was described as precise, triggering a large fire at the site. A third attack targeted the Tanajib oil facility, also part of the Aramco network, resulting in a fire at the complex.
Broadening the Scope: Another Airport Targeted
The fourth and final strike extended the campaign to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. A direct hit was claimed, causing flight operations at the eastern airport to halt. This move signaled an expansion of the targeting beyond the capital region.
Renewed Warnings and Regional Tensions
Alongside the battlefield claims, the Houthi spokesman reiterated a warning to international businesses, urging all companies to avoid operating flights to Saudi airports. The statement notably exempted the airports and airspace of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina from this advisory. This continued rhetoric underscores the group's strategy of linking economic and security pressure on Saudi Arabia to the broader regional conflict.