Houthis Fire Ballistic Missile at Riyadh as Conflict Widens Across the Region

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Saturday, marking the first such strike on the Saudi capital in the current escalation. The Houthis claimed additional strikes on Aramco facilities in Yanbu, which Saudi Arabia said were also thwarted. The incident follows a series of escalations including an alleged drone targeting of Mecca and the first civilian death from intercepted drone debris. The United States has declined to conduct offensive strikes despite requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while the Houthis continue territorial advances in Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A GCC-Iran diplomatic meeting was also cancelled amid the ongoing tensions.