Satellite Images Reveal Damage to Riyadh Oil Facility Following Houthi Strike
Satellite images reveal damage to a Saudi Aramco facility near Riyadh following a Houthi attack, as frustration mounts in Riyadh over canceled US military responses.
Satellite imagery published by Soar Atlas reveals severe damage to fuel storage tanks at Saudi Arabia's Aramco facility following a recent drone and missile attack near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The strike, which took place on September 19, caused massive explosions and black smoke over the Saudi capital, with the Houthis claiming responsibility.
Saudi Frustration and Regional Threat
Amid the escalation, frustration is reportedly mounting in Riyadh over Washington's handling of the crisis. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly urged Donald Trump to launch retaliatory strikes against the Houthis, but the US president ultimately aborted the operation at the last moment. With Turkey and Pakistan refraining from meaningful military involvement, Riyadh increasingly feels isolated against the growing Houthi threat.
Saudi commentator Mashari Al-Dhayidi warned in Asharq Al-Awsat that the kingdom faces a security threat surpassing or at least matching that posed by Saddam Hussein during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. He emphasized that today's danger is magnified by the Houthis' reliance on Iranian backing and regional proxy networks.
The kingdom faces a direct threat to its security in every sense, one that exceeds the threat once posed by Saddam Hussein to the entire Gulf.
Controversial Rituals and the Battle of Narratives
A storm erupted across Arab social media following footage from Yemen's Dhamar Governorate showing Houthi fighters circling a replica of the Kaaba during a propaganda display. The stunt backfired severely, sparking widespread outrage among Muslims and Yemenis who accused the militia of mocking sacred Islamic traditions for political mobilization and Iranian-backed propaganda.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged from Sanaa regarding a deadly explosion at the Frowa market. While local reports blamed a stray Houthi missile launched toward Saudi Arabia from Al-Jawf, Houthi-affiliated sources claimed the blast was the result of a Saudi airstrike. Independent verification remains unavailable, highlighting the ruthless nature of the ongoing conflict.
