Agencies | Riyadh:
The Saudi-led coalition has said it intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement towards the Saudi capital, Riyadh, amid escalating threats against the kingdom’s airports and energy infrastructure.
The interception came as the Houthis threatened to continue targeting Saudi airports and oil installations in the coming days, following reported attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh, as well as King Khalid International Airport.
The latest developments have raised concerns over regional security and the potential impact on energy markets, with Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and key transport facilities facing renewed threats.
US President Donald Trump accused the Houthis of intensifying attacks on Saudi infrastructure to push up energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said a container ship carrying what it described as “contraband” had exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine while attempting to navigate what it called an “unauthorised and dangerous route” through the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident adds to concerns over maritime security in the strategically important waterway, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.
The missile interception, threats against Saudi energy facilities and the reported ship explosion underscore the growing security risks facing the region. Further escalation could have implications for shipping and energy markets, although the extent of any impact remains uncertain.
