Saudi-Houthi conflict escalates with attack near Riyadh airport

Key Points:

• Smoke and flames erupted near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport after Saudi Arabia issued its first air-raid alert in the capital amid escalating conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prompting flight cancellations and raising concerns over regional security.
• The Houthis have seized new territory along the Red Sea coast, gaining control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil export route that Saudi Arabia uses as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbating global oil supply fears with crude prices above $100 a barrel.
• Reports indicate significant disruption in the Yemeni port city of Mokha following the Houthi takeover, with closed shops, deserted streets, and schools affected, while the rebels accused Saudi Arabia of launching multiple air attacks against them in recent days.
• Saudi Aramco has informed European customers of crude oil supply disruptions next month due to attacks on the East-West pipeline blamed on the Houthis, intensifying concerns over the stability of global oil exports.
• Despite tensions, US Central Command stated that American forces have successfully escorted over 2,000 commercial ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz recently, preventing Iranian exports and keeping key maritime routes clear of mines.