Missiles intercepted near Saudi cities after coalition hits Yemen fuel depot
Missiles launched toward the Saudi Aramco headquarters in Dhahran were intercepted on Tuesday, following a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on an oil depot in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, according to bbc.com.
Coalition Strikes Target Sanaa Fuel Depot
The Saudi-led coalition executed strikes against fuel storage and transport facilities in Yemen, targeting what it described as vital assets used by the Houthi movement to sustain military operations. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki stated that facilities including the al-Sabaha Central Station in Sanaa were utilized to support Houthi drone and missile capabilities. Prior to the operation, the coalition issued an evacuation order urging civilians to leave the surrounding area. An AFP correspondent noted that residents in Sanaa rushed to queue at fuel stations following the warning, while the Yemen Petroleum Company sought to reassure the public that fuel stocks in safe facilities remained sufficient to meet long-term demand.
Saudi Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles Near Riyadh
Blasts were heard over the Saudi capital of Riyadh late on Monday and Tuesday, with the Saudi coalition confirming the interception of incoming Houthi missiles. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, had previously warned that any strikes on Sanaa would be met with a painful response directed at Riyadh and urged civilians and employees near Aramco facilities to evacuate.
Regional Economic Contraction Coincides with Yemen Cholera Surge
The military escalation coincides with broad economic contractions across the region. The International Monetary Fund reported that Saudi Arabia faces an expected GDP contraction of 3.3 percent, driven by regional disruptions linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported that suspected cholera cases in Yemen tripled over a three-week period, placing severe strain on hospitals already treating casualties from the civil war. Commercial aviation and municipal operations have experienced disruptions, with Riyadh reporting lighter traffic and remote learning measures as regional security concerns persist.
