
Yemeni rebels claim four operations against Saudi airports and energy infrastructure; condemnations from Italy and Israel, attention on US moves after Trump's openness to a possible intervention
AI-generated summary
The attack is part of a broader campaign by Iran-backed Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and its allies amid Yemen's civil war. The attacks targeted not only airports but also strategic energy facilities such as those of Aramco, raising concerns about the security of global energy supplies and shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
A new attack at Riyadh airport yesterday caused one death and at least 11 injuries as well as a fire in a terminal. Another missile aimed at southern Arabia was intercepted and destroyed. From Italy to Israel, a chorus of condemnations, but the pro-Iranian Yemeni rebels claim responsibility for the wave of raids against Saudi airspace and energy plants. All eyes are on US moves after Trump reopened the possibility of American intervention.
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"I heard from my Saudi counterpart, to express our advice after the Houthi attack, their request is that the EU strengthens the Aspides mission to join forces and keep the Bab al-Mandab Strait open." This was stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas when arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council of Luxembourg.
Targeting Saudi Arabia "undermines the security of all Gulf states." This was stated by Anwar Gargash, presidential advisor of the United Arab Emirates, quoted by Sky News. According to Gargash, it is urgent to revive the Gulf's joint action, particularly in security and defense matters. By neglecting their own collective security, states in the region have "encouraged others" to go beyond their limits, he added. His comments come after Riyadh's airport was hit by two separate attacks by Houthi rebels over the weekend.
Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for "four major operations" against Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, hit with "ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones", and for targeting Riyadh international airport on Saturday, with an attack that left 13 dead and 309 injured, and on Sunday (one Pakistani citizen was killed in the raid and 11 other people were injured). The Houthis also claimed operations against two sites belonging to energy giant Aramco: the Shugadam gas plant and a refinery in Tanajib, both located in eastern Saudi Arabia. The fourth operation targeted Dammam International Airport.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The United States will increase its military support for Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks
Likely · Within weeks
The EU will take measures to strengthen the naval presence in the Bab al-Mandab Strait within the next month
Possible · Within weeks

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