The confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in Yemen intensified on Tuesday, with reports of airstrikes targeting the group-controlled capital, Sanaa, as missiles launched toward the Saudi capital, Riyadh, were intercepted.
The Houthi-affiliated Saba news agency said the strikes hit the Al-Mafzar gas station in the Jadar district north of Sanaa and a building belonging to the state oil company in the southern part of the city. Civil defense teams worked to extinguish a fire that broke out in gas trailers at the station. The coalition did not immediately confirm the strikes.
The footage shows thick columns of smoke rising over one of Sanaa's neighborhoods as passersby watch from the road.
Missiles intercepted over Riyadh
Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki announced that a ballistic missile and a cruise missile had been intercepted and destroyed over Riyadh, along with a second ballistic missile over the south of the kingdom. He held the Iran-backed Houthis responsible. Agence France-Presse reported hearing several explosions in Riyadh, while residents received warning messages urging them to take shelter from an “aerial threat.” Civil defense later announced that the danger had passed. The Houthis did not immediately comment.
The development came a day after a new attack targeted the East-West oil pipeline in the Medina region. A Saudi Energy Ministry official said it caused a “limited fire” that was extinguished without affecting pumping operations or causing injuries. The Houthis had announced on Sunday that they targeted Riyadh's business district, while authorities said shrapnel from an “attempted attack” caused minor damage to an Aramco tower.
The footage shows flames rising at night between buildings in Sanaa after one of the strikes.
The East-West pipeline has become increasingly important to Saudi oil exports following the restrictions Iran imposed on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The coalition continues to support government forces in Yemen with airstrikes, while the Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports.
Sources: Saba, Agence France-Presse, Anadolu
