Dozens Killed in Yemen Clashes as Explosions Rock Riyadh Near Airport
Clashes in southern Yemen and an apparent aerial strike near Riyadh's international airport leave dozens dead, as Houthi forces pressure vital shipping lanes and Saudi air defense stockpiles run low.
Clashes in southern Yemen between Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis have left 48 people dead over the past 24 hours, military sources from both sides told AFP on Saturday. The fighting comes amid escalating tensions and reports of explosions near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
According to AFP, a reporter at the scene saw firefighters attempting to extinguish a burning fuel tank bearing the logo of Saudi energy giant Aramco near the airport. FlightRadar24 reported severe disruptions, flight cancellations, and delays at the international hub following air defense alerts issued overnight.
Riyadh residents received alerts warning of a hostile aerial threat, urging them to stay indoors. Similar warnings were issued for Al-Kharj, where explosions were reported. Saudi authorities have not yet officially commented on the incidents or the origin of the threat.
According to AFP sources, 17 of the dead are government soldiers, while the Houthis reported 31 fighters killed. The battles are concentrated around a strategic oil-rich province in central Yemen, as Houthi forces push to solidify their control over key maritime routes following recent advances near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Meanwhile, AP reported that Saudi Arabia's interceptor missile stockpile is depleting, prompting Riyadh to request air defense deployments from France, the UK, Pakistan, and Egypt. The escalation places mounting pressure on US President Donald Trump as Brent crude prices trade near $100 a barrel ahead of upcoming midterms.
