Houthis Claim Riyadh Aramco Attack Amid Saudi Offensive Plans

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting an Aramco facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This assertion follows reports of smoke over the Saudi capital and comes as Saudi Arabia reportedly plans a major counteroffensive against Houthi forces. The planned operation aims to push the rebels away from Red Sea coast areas crucial for controlling the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb, a vital global trade artery.

While the United States has rebuffed Saudi requests to participate in airstrikes for this offensive, officials suggest this stance could change if the operation encounters difficulties. The Houthis have recently seized key areas along the southern Red Sea coast, increasing their leverage through control of the strait and escalating missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Saudi military has responded with retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi targets.