Riyadh/Sanaa, October 6, 2026: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has claimed missile and drone attacks on multiple targets in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha International Airport and military sites in southern Saudi Arabia. The claims come amid a major Saudi-backed offensive by Yemen’s internationally recognised government against Houthi-held territory.
Houthis Claim Multiple Strikes Across Saudi Arabia
The Houthis said they launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones at several Saudi targets.
Among the locations they claimed to have targeted were Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha airport and military facilities in areas including Khamis Mushait.
Claims Not Independently Verified
The Houthi claims could not immediately be independently verified.
Saudi authorities had not confirmed the full extent of damage from all of the alleged strikes at the time of reporting.
Yemen Government Launches Major Offensive
The attacks came as Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launched a major campaign to retake territory from the Houthis near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Government forces said they had recaptured several areas, including Dhubab and nearby locations, as part of the offensive.
Saudi Air Power Backs Yemeni Forces
Saudi Arabia has provided significant air support to the operation.
Saudi-led forces said around 100 aircraft were involved in supporting Yemeni government troops and striking Houthi positions.
Aramco Facilities Again in Focus
Saudi energy infrastructure has increasingly become a target in the renewed conflict.
The latest claims include an attack on the Aramco refinery at Rabigh, adding to concerns over the security of oil facilities and regional energy supplies.
Oil Markets Watch Regional Escalation
The renewed attacks have kept global oil markets on alert.
Brent crude traded around $100.59 per barrel on October 6 as traders weighed heightened Gulf security risks against improving Middle East oil exports.
Bab el-Mandeb Is Critical for Global Shipping
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Any prolonged fighting around the area could threaten commercial shipping and energy transportation between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Yemen Conflict Takes Wider Regional Dimension
The latest escalation has further internationalised Yemen’s long-running conflict.
Saudi Arabia is backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government, while the Houthis continue to receive support from Iran, linking the conflict to broader tensions across the Middle East.
Humanitarian Situation Worsens
Renewed fighting has also increased civilian displacement and humanitarian concerns in Yemen.
Recent escalation has forced large numbers of people from their homes while disrupting access to essential services and aid.
Source – Reuters, Associated Press
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