US Warns of Rapid Escalation After Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh

The United States has warned that hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels could escalate rapidly after a missile attack targeted the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The U.S. State Department issued the warning Saturday, urging American citizens outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.

The warning came after explosions were heard in Riyadh and a fuel tank bearing the logo of oil giant Aramco was seen on fire near the airport, according to AFP journalists.

The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh.

It also said Houthi forces attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in several western Saudi cities, including Yanbu, a major Red Sea oil export hub.

The Houthis said they carried out two military operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, targeting sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

The attack marks the first time since Yemen’s civil war resumed that strikes have threatened the Saudi capital, adding to tensions in a region already affected by months of conflict between the United States and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump also returned to the White House earlier than planned from a weekend at Camp David. The White House did not give a reason for the change in schedule.

The Houthis have seized large areas of Yemen in recent weeks, leaving hundreds dead and displacing more than 110,000 people, according to the United Nations.

Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, while the Houthis have continued retaliatory attacks.

The latest escalation comes days after Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca. The Houthis denied the accusation.

The conflict has also disrupted Saudi oil exports and maritime traffic. Washington last week approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, saying the deal would help the kingdom deter current and future threats.

The Yemen war began in 2014 after the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and other areas, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015.