On October 24, 2026, Yemen’s Houthi group announced it had conducted seven military operations employing ballistic missiles and drones, targeting key infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. This escalation comes as a direct response to ongoing Saudi airstrikes within Yemen, particularly in the capital, Sanaa, where civilian areas have reportedly been affected.
Targeted Locations in Saudi Arabia
The Houthi statement highlighted specific targets including the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which was reportedly struck in one of the operations. In addition to the airport, the group claimed to have attacked various facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco, notably in Yanbu and at the Rabigh oil refinery. Additionally, they asserted that their operations impacted critical crude oil pumping stations and the East-West oil pipeline, which is essential for transporting oil from the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea.
Relating to aviation, the Houthis announced a precision strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, asserting that their actions effectively disrupted air traffic. Similarly, attacks were reportedly carried out on Najran Airport, located close to the Yemeni border, and the Khamis Mushait air base, with the group claiming to have achieved direct hits on both military and civilian targets.
Response to Saudi Airstrikes
According to the Houthi leadership, their operations were retaliatory measures against the Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes, which they alleged had bombed civilian sites over 100 times in just 24 hours, leading to numerous casualties in Sanaa and other controlled regions. They have maintained that a total of 3,123 airstrikes have been carried out by Saudi Arabia since tensions escalated recently.
Simultaneously, reports from Saudi Civil Defense indicated that two Houthi ballistic missiles aimed at the Mecca and Medina areas were intercepted. Wreckage from these missiles fell across several locations, including Wadi al-Mughammas near Mecca, and other debris was reported in Jeddah and Taif. Notably, portions of one missile reportedly landed close to Arafat, a significant site for Islamic pilgrims.
Denial of Targeting Holy Sites
In reaction to the accusations, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree clarified that their operations were primarily focused on military targets and oil facilities. He refuted claims that their operations were directed at holy sites, highlighting the group’s commitment to avoid such areas. Further details regarding the military operations were promised to be released in the near future, indicating that the Houthis remain poised to continue their military agenda amidst the turmoil.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition, which has been active in Yemen since 2015, acknowledged that they intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu earlier on the same day. The long-standing conflict, which has seen the Houthis maintain control over the capital since 2014, marked a renewed phase of violence following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement in 2022.
As the situation continues to develop, concerns mount regarding civilian safety and the potential for further escalation in hostilities. With both sides engaging in military operations, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains precarious, requiring urgent international attention and intervention to prevent further loss of life and infrastructure.