Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of launching 26 strikes in 24 hours

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1. 1h ago

   Houthis Accuse Saudi Arabia of 26 Strikes as Regional Conflict Escalates

   Houthi authorities in Yemen report that Saudi Arabia launched 26 airstrikes over a 24-hour period as the regional conflict intensifies. The bombardment follows heightened hostilities involving ballistic missile and drone interceptions over Saudi territory, including near Riyadh and Mecca. Saudi air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the Saudi capital, prompting the first air raid alerts in Riyadh since the renewed escalation. Meanwhile, Saudi officials warn that Mecca is a red line following an alleged drone targeting attempt that the Houthis reject. Oil prices are rising amid the spread of fighting to Saudi Arabia and the Strait of Hormuz.

   Why it matters

   The sharp escalation in cross-border strikes marks a dangerous turn in the long-running conflict between Yemen's Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition. Civilian areas across the kingdom, including Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, have faced intercepted aerial attacks alongside the major incidents near Riyadh and Mecca. The wider regional impact is already visible as oil prices climb and civilians flee Yemen by boat.

   What is confirmed

   • The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of launching 26 strikes in 24 hours.
   • Saudi Arabia stated it shot down a Houthi drone near Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
   • The Iran-backed Houthi group rejected the claim that it targeted Mecca with a drone.
   • The Saudi-led coalition reported that defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh.
   • Flames and smoke were seen near the Riyadh airport following Houthi claims of attacks on the Saudi capital.

   What to watch next

   • Further official casualty reports or damage assessments from the 26 reported Saudi strikes.
   • Additional statements from the Saudi-led coalition regarding air defense interceptions across Bisha, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu.
   • Market reactions and shipping updates regarding oil prices and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Iran live updates: Oil prices rise after strikes in Saudi Arabia, Strait of Hormuz
   2. The New York Times — Houthis Report Deadly Saudi Airstrikes as Kingdom Issues Mass Alerts
   3. CNN — Saudi Arabia says it shot down a Houthi drone near Mecca, Islam’s holiest city
   4. CNBC — Saudi says Houthis targeted Mecca with a drone, Iran-backed group rejects claim
   5. NBC News — Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of attacking Mecca, warns holy city is a ‘red line’
   6. Reuters — Yemenis take to boats to flee as Middle East war spreads
   7. Al Jazeera — Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of launching 26 strikes in 24 hours
   8. www.aljazeera.com — Saudi-led coalition says defences intercept Houthi missile fired at Riyadh
   9. www.cnbc.com — Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital
   10. www.iranintl.com — Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi ballistic missile over Riyadh
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