Riyadh Under Fire: Houthi Missile Strikes and Trump’s Aborted Military Operation
Chaos erupted in Riyadh on Saturday, 19 September, as Houthi ballistic missiles breached the airspace, triggering widespread air-raid alerts. Residents reported hearing massive explosions, while emergency crews battled a significant blaze at a fuel depot located near King Khalid International Airport. Eyewitnesses documented thick columns of black smoke rising from the site.
Missile Salvos and Defensive Interceptions
The Houthi group claimed responsibility for a coordinated assault using a lethal mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Their stated targets included sensitive locations within Riyadh and vital Aramco facilities situated in Yanbu.
In a rapid response, the Saudi-led coalition announced that it successfully intercepted the incoming missiles. The coalition further stated that it thwarted several additional attempts to strike the following areas:
- Bisha
- Taif
- Farasan
- Yanbu
While the strikes caused intense alarm and fire damage near the capital, no casualties have been confirmed in relation to the Riyadh incident.
A Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to spiral. By Tuesday, 22 September, Houthi-run media reported that Saudi airstrikes on the port city of Mokha had killed at least six civilians, including two children and a woman, while leaving eight others wounded.
The struggle for strategic dominance is currently centered on the Kahboub mountains in the Taiz and Lahj regions. Control over these heights is of critical importance, as they pose a direct threat to the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This ongoing instability has resulted in:
- Mass displacement: The UN has recorded significant movement of people along Yemen's western coast.
- Territorial shifts: While government forces claim to have reclaimed territory west and south of Taiz, the Houthis report having seized Mokha and Perim (Mayyun) Island earlier this month.
Trump’s Last-Minute Pivot
In a major geopolitical development, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly prepared to launch military strikes against Houthi targets following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the operation was cancelled at the final hour on Sunday.
Following this decision, a senior Houthi official clarified the group's current tactical stance:
The group intends to avoid attacking U.S. ships for the time being, but will continue operations against Saudi Arabia until the blockade on Houthi-held ports is lifted.
Global Economic and Diplomatic Tremors
The volatility in the region is sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been forced to reroute its oil exports through the Red Sea—a route that now faces heightened risks from Houthi activity.
International leaders are reacting to the escalating tension:
- Rashad al-Alimi: Yemen's internationally recognized leader has formally requested U.S. support.
- The G7: Foreign ministers have issued urgent demands for an immediate halt to Houthi strikes.
- The United States: Has warned of rapid escalation and advised its citizens to exercise extreme caution in the region.
Diplomatic efforts remain strained. UAE official Anwar Garg