Houthis Strike Saudi Infrastructure as Mecca and Medina Face Missile Threats

Yemen’s Houthi forces launched a coordinated wave of attacks on Saturday that targeted critical Saudi infrastructure and holy sites, prompting the interception of ballistic missiles near the cities of Mecca and Medina. The escalation marks a significant intensification of the regional conflict, with the militant group aiming directly at energy assets and major international airports while Saudi Arabia defended its most sacred ground.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense agency reported that two ballistic missiles were intercepted during the attack. Debris from the downed projectiles fell in several locations, including Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh. The agency confirmed the missiles were launched toward the regions of Mecca and Medina, highlighting the direct threat to the Kingdom's most significant religious centers.

The military strikes followed a formal announcement by the Houthis regarding their offensive. The group stated it had targeted Saudi oil facilities and airports across the country. Among the specific sites listed was a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. The Houthis also claimed strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, a major hub for international travel.

Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthi movement, provided further details on the scope of the operation. He said the group also targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Additionally, Saree indicated that Najran airport and an air base in Khamis Mushait were included in the list of sites hit by the projectiles.

In Yemen, the conflict continued to impact the capital. The Saba News Agency, a Houthi-linked outlet, reported that the National Commission for Human Rights had condemned Saudi Arabia over strikes in Sanaa. The commission described the events in the Asr neighborhood as a massacre. It also cited an attack on a cement factory located in the Hamdan district of Sanaa Governorate.

The United States responded to the heightened tension by updating its travel advisory for Israel on Friday. The State Department warned American citizens of an increased threat of armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists. The notice highlighted the potential for a rapid escalation of regional hostilities that could affect travelers in the area.

Despite the updated warnings, the overall travel advisory classification for Israel remained at Level 3. This level urges U.S. citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest. The existing risk indicators and restrictions on travel to specific areas of the country were left unchanged by the new advisory.

In its warning on armed conflict, the State Department referenced previous Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. It noted that strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure had previously resulted in civilian casualties and major travel disruptions. The recent events underscore the continuing volatility in the region and the direct impact of the Houthi campaign on neighboring states.