Saudi Arabia intercepts wave of Houthi missiles as oil climbs to one-week high

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1. 56m ago

   Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Missile Wave

   Saudi Arabia intercepted a wave of ballistic missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces targeting the kingdom, including Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The military action coincides with a climb in oil prices to a one-week high. Meanwhile, diplomatic and military responses are escalating internationally, with France offering military support to protect the Yanbu oil port and the UN Security Council issuing a strong condemnation. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are holding urgent meetings to address the attacks.

   Why it matters

   The aerial assaults highlight an intensifying regional threat as cross-border strikes target critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. International concern has drawn immediate diplomatic maneuvering and offers of defense assistance from European allies. These developments compound broader geopolitical friction in the Middle East, while diplomatic channels face resistance.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi-led coalition forces shot down six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis.
   • The Houthis stated they attacked Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
   • The UN Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
   • France pledged military support to defend the key oil port of Yanbu.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Reports indicated that Saudi strikes targeted west Yemen following the averted Houthi attacks.

   What to watch next

   • Outcomes of the urgent meeting between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan regarding the Houthi attacks
   • Implementation of French military support for the Yanbu oil port
   • Further oil market reactions to the Middle East escalation
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. The New York Times — Saudi Arabia Downs Houthi Missiles Targeting Kingdom, Official Says
   2. Al Jazeera — Saudi-led coalition says shot down 6 ballistic missiles launched by Houthis
   3. Fox News — Saudi foreign minister warns Houthi threat goes global as Trump holds fire
   4. Reuters — Houthis say they attacked Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu
   5. The Guardian — Saudi Arabia intercepts wave of Houthi missiles as oil climbs to one-week high
   6. France 24 — Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France pledges to defend key oil port
   7. France 24 — Live: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan to hold urgent meeting over Houthi attacks
   8. The Jerusalem Post — Yemen government repels Houthi attack on crucial Aden-Taiz supply line
   9. Yahoo — UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
   10. The Times of Israel — UN Security Council condemns Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia, in rare display of consensus
   11. yahoo.com — UN Security Council condemns 'in the strongest terms' Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
   12. Semafor — Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles
   confidence 95%