As Houthis strike Riyadh, Saudi Arabia confronts the costs of U.S. war on Iran

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate, threatening wider conflict

   Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike on Riyadh's international airport, prompting Saudi Arabia to investigate defense system failures and intercept new attacks. The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider Middle East war and created a dilemma for US President Trump. Saudi Arabia has reported four wounded in Riyadh from debris from intercepted Houthi missiles.

   Why it matters

   The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been fighting a civil war in Yemen against the Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The conflict has spilled over into Saudi Arabia, with recent attacks targeting critical infrastructure. The US has been involved in the conflict, with President Trump considering increased military involvement.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia has reported four wounded in Riyadh from debris from intercepted Houthi missiles.
   • The Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike on Riyadh's international airport.
   • The Saudi-led coalition has responded to the attacks, targeting Houthi 'vital assets'.
   • The conflict has raised fears of a wider Middle East war and created a dilemma for US President Trump.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The US is considering increased military involvement in the conflict.

   What to watch next

   • US President Trump's decision on military involvement in the conflict
   • The Saudi-led coalition's response to further Houthi attacks
   • The humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians in Yemen and Saudi Arabia
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. WSJ — Iran-Backed Militants Are Tightening the Screws on Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince
   2. PBS — Saudis probe how defense systems failed to stop deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport
   3. www.cnbc.com — Saudi Arabia says drones and missiles still targeting kingdom
   4. Reuters — Saudi warning system stayed silent before deadly airport attacks
   5. Bloomberg.com — Saudi Arabia Intercepts New Houthi Attacks as Conflict Drags On
   6. www.cnbc.com — Trump considering joining Saudi fight against Iran-backed Houthis
   7. The Washington Post — As Houthis strike Riyadh, Saudi Arabia confronts the costs of U.S. war on Iran
   8. CBS News — Iran's Houthi allies' deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia create "a difficult dilemma for President Trump"
   9. CNBC — Airport attacks put aviation in crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts
   10. The Washington Post — Opinion | The Riyadh airport attack exposes a new flight path for terror
   11. www.baltimoresun.com — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are raising fears of a wider Middle East war
   12. The Times of Israel — Saudi Arabia reports 4 wounded in Riyadh by debris from intercepted Houthi missiles
   confidence 85%