Houthis Target Saudi Oil Hubs and Airports as Debris Falls Near Mecca

Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthis on Saturday, with fragments landing in multiple western cities. The Civil Defense agency reported that debris struck areas near Jeddah, Taif, and Rabigh. The projectiles were aimed at the Mecca and Medina regions.

The interceptions followed a Houthi announcement of simultaneous attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports. Yahya Saree, the group's military spokesperson, claimed their forces targeted a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Rabigh oil refinery. He stated that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was also under fire.

Saree listed additional targets, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Najran airport, and an air base in Khamis Mushait. These strikes represent a direct challenge to the Kingdom's critical infrastructure and aviation hubs.

Earlier in the day, Houthi-linked media reported that Saudi aircraft hit Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. The National Commission for Human Rights in Yemen described the attacks on the Asr neighborhood as a massacre. The commission also cited damage to a cement factory in the Hamdan district.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory update for Israel on Friday, warning of a potential rapid escalation in regional hostilities. The notice highlighted an increased threat of armed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces. It cited previous Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure that caused travel disruptions and casualties.

The department maintained Israel's travel advisory at Level 3, urging US citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest. Existing risk indicators and restrictions for specific areas of the country remained in effect under the new guidance.