Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Pipeline and Airport
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and Riyadh airport, raising regional tensions.
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Houthis, an Iran-backed group in Yemen, have claimed responsibility for drone strikes on Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline and a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attacks occurred just hours after the airport resumed limited operations following a previous Houthi strike.
Strategic Oil Infrastructure Targeted
The East-West Pipeline, a critical artery for Saudi oil exports, stretches 750 miles from Abqaiq to Yanbu. It plays a key role in bypassing the strategic threat of Iranian influence in the Strait of Hormuz by shipping oil through the Red Sea. The pipeline was previously attacked in mid-September, leading to a two-week shutdown, but has since resumed operations at near-optimal capacity. Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, Aramco, has not confirmed any damage from the latest assault.
Missile Strike on Riyadh Airport
The Houthis also claimed to have launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport, which had only recently reopened after a previous attack on October 12 that killed 13 people and injured over 300. The Saudi military coalition reported intercepting the missile and destroying two Houthi missile launchers near Sanaa. They also claimed to have destroyed a total of four missile launchers, a storage facility, and underground tunnels used for missile storage.
Warning to International Travelers
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned international and regional airlines, as well as travelers and staff, against using King Khalid Airport, calling it unsafe and a military target. He also stated that the Saudi regime would face consequences for any operations at the airport. Saree claimed that Saudi warplanes launched 56 strikes on Yemen over the weekend, all targeting civilian objects.
Impact on Regional Events
The attacks have led to the cancellation of several events in Saudi Arabia, including the Dakar Rally, which organizers announced would be moved to Africa this year. The Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) confirmed the rally would return to Saudi in 2027 for its 50th anniversary.
Source: Breitbart
