Saudi Arabia and Houthis escalate conflict with reciprocal strikes on oil infrastructure

Tensions in the Middle East have surged following an escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen. On October 13, 2026, Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on strategic oil depots in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, after issuing warnings for civilians to evacuate the targeted areas. These strikes by the Saudi-led coalition were reportedly a direct response to recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 13 people and injured over 300, leading to its temporary closure.

In retaliation for the Saudi airstrikes, Houthi rebels launched their own barrages of missiles and drones targeting multiple Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Dammam, and Dhahran, where the headquarters of Saudi Aramco is located. Houthi spokespeople issued warnings for employees and civilians near Aramco facilities to evacuate, declaring these sites legitimate targets. This intensified exchange of fire underscores a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides striking critical energy infrastructure and civilian areas. The renewed hostilities also follow recent Houthi advancements in key maritime areas such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane for global oil transport, further heightening regional instability.