Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia rattle oil markets

Escalation across the border

Yemen's Houthi group said it carried out three operations on Monday evening targeting two Saudi airports, an oil facility and military sites. Spokesman Yahya Saree named King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha Airport, and claimed the strikes used ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. Saudi authorities had not commented on those claims.

Aramco sites under fire

Earlier, the Houthis said they hit Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and Khurais. A Saudi-led coalition spokesman called the claims misleading and said projectiles had been intercepted. However, Reuters photographs showed smoke rising from an Aramco refinery south of Riyadh on October 3, and market reports linked the attacks to Brent crude climbing above $100 a barrel.

A widening war

The group says Saudi air and missile strikes since the escalation began now total 1,576, a figure that could not be independently verified. Yemen's internationally recognised government has also announced a new campaign to retake territory. The Houthis have warned airlines using Saudi airspace, excluding Mecca and Medina, to stop flights. Yemen's conflict is passing through one of its sharpest escalations in years, despite a UN-brokered truce reached in 2022. On July 20, the Houthis had announced a maritime ban targeting Saudi Arabia.

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Pakistan reaffirms support

Pakistan said its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security remains resolute amid the fresh attacks, a reminder of how closely regional conflicts are watched in Islamabad. Analysts say a prolonged confrontation could keep energy prices volatile and affect importers such as Pakistan.