Supporters of Yemen’s Houthi rebels gathered in Sanaa to voice their approval for the group. On the following day, Saudi Arabia reported an attempted attack on Riyadh with a ballistic missile by the Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in battles with these rebels, confirmed they intercepted the missile.

Residents in Riyadh experienced the explosion, some witnessing smoke after the event. No casualties or damage were confirmed. Additionally, attempts to attack civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, Taif, Baysh, and Farasan were thwarted, according to the coalition. The Houthis claimed they targeted important sites in Riyadh and set fires in Yanbu, although this lacked evidence. Aramco, the prominent oil company, did not comment.

The conflict’s proximity to a major shipping route poses concerns for global markets. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, stated they utilized cruise and ballistic missiles and drones in their operations. He accused Saudi Arabia of planning an attack on Sanaa. These assertions couldn’t be independently confirmed by The Associated Press.

As tensions rise, a Yemeni living in Saudi Arabia succumbed to debris from an intercepted drone. Moreover, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attempting to target Mecca with a drone, stressing the critical importance of the city. The Houthis denied such claims.

The United States maintains no current conflict with the Houthis, although regional sources disclosed that Saudi Arabia is experiencing shortages in missile interceptors and has sought defense aid from countries like France and Egypt.

Battles in Yemen have intensified. The Houthis captured the port city of Mokha and strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Despite their actions, they claim a focus on targeting Saudi vessels.

The situation signals a return to heavy conflict in Yemen after an interval of relative peace.