Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles aimed at Riyadh
Saudi-led forces stopped two ballistic missiles and three drones. Yemen's Houthis fired them at the capital and the Eastern Province.
Why it matters
The growing missile and drone attacks show the conflict is escalating beyond Yemen's borders. They threaten critical global oil infrastructure.
In Australia. Rising tensions in the Middle East threaten oil supplies and energy prices, which would flow through to fuel and power costs for Australian consumers and businesses.
Key facts
- The Saudi-led coalition said it shot down two Houthi ballistic missiles heading for Riyadh.
- Three drones targeting the kingdom's oil-rich Eastern Province were also stopped.
- The attack is part of an intense recent campaign by the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most populated areas of Yemen.
- A Houthi strike last week hit a building of state oil company Saudi Aramco.
- It is in Riyadh's financial hub.
- The Eastern Province is home to Aramco's headquarters and most of Saudi Arabia's oil and gas reserves.
- It has been hit repeatedly in recent weeks.
- An attack in October caused extensive damage.
- Bahrain's interior ministry issued an alert warning citizens of a potential threat.
- It urged people to reach safety.
- The Houthis have stepped up strikes on Saudi airports, ports and oil facilities.
- Saudi Arabia has increased airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
