Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missiles, Fueling Oil Price Surge

Saudi Arabia announced it successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The missiles were reportedly targeted at the western Saudi city of Taif and the crucial Red Sea port of Yanbu, a key hub for Saudi oil exports. The Houthis, however, claimed responsibility for attacks aimed at a "sensitive target" in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu.

These escalating attacks have heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies, contributing to a rise in oil prices to a one-week high. The conflict in Yemen continues to draw in regional powers, with a top Saudi cleric recently declaring the fight against the Houthis a religious duty and urging Saudi-led forces to maintain readiness. Yemen itself has decried the Houthis as a "terrorist militia," calling on its citizens to support the Yemeni armed forces.