Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, and energy facilities along the Red Sea coast. The claims follow reports of a column of black smoke seen rising from fuel tanks near Riyadh's international airport, which caused temporary flight disruptions.

This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the Houthis stating the attacks were a direct response to Saudi Arabia's actions against the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The militant group accused Saudi Arabia of conducting numerous strikes across Yemen in the preceding week. This is the first air raid alert issued for Riyadh since a recent escalation in hostilities with the Houthis.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea announced that a substantial number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones were deployed against "sensitive sites" in Riyadh and facilities belonging to the state oil and gas company Aramco in Yanbu. While Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official comment, residents in Riyadh reported hearing explosions and feeling their windows shake.

Flights at King Khalid International Airport experienced delays and cancellations. Tracking website FlightRadar24 confirmed disruptions, and an AFP journalist observed firefighters attempting to extinguish flames at a burnt-out Aramco fuel tank. Saudi Civil Defence had issued overnight alerts warning of potential danger before giving an all-clear.

The Houthi attacks are part of a broader civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government, which receives backing from Saudi Arabia. The militants have previously targeted locations within Saudi Arabia, including claiming responsibility for downing a Saudi fighter jet over Yemen.

Recent ground fighting between Houthi and Saudi-backed government forces has been intense. An unconfirmed report from AFP, citing military sources from both sides, indicated that 48 lives were lost on Saturday alone, with 31 Houthi fighters and 17 government soldiers reported dead.

Internationally, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to worsen. The International Organization for Migration, a UN body, reported that the number of people displaced by recent fighting had surpassed 104,796.

The Houthis have recently asserted control over the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a critical shipping route for Saudi oil exports to Asia and Europe. This move is seen as a retaliatory measure by the group.