Saudi Arabia’s coalition said the Houthis had attempted to target civilian areas and infrastructure in several western parts of the kingdom, including Yanbu, a major Red Sea port.

RIYADH: The United States has warned that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis could escalate rapidly after a Houthi missile attack targeted the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The attack on Saturday was the first reported Houthi strike targeting Riyadh since fighting in Yemen resumed. The Houthis also claimed they targeted facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu.

The US State Department urged American citizens outside the Middle East to seriously reconsider travelling to or through the region, warning that the conflict could escalate quickly.

Houthi missile intercepted

Several explosions were heard in Riyadh on Saturday. Saudi authorities said a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted and destroyed.

Saudi Arabia’s coalition said the Houthis had attempted to target civilian areas and infrastructure in several western parts of the kingdom, including Yanbu, a major Red Sea port.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying the group used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones against targets in Riyadh and Yanbu.

Trump says Houthis do not want conflict with US

US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had agreed not to attack American forces.

According to Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump said Washington remained in communication with the Houthis and that the group had agreed not to fight the United States.

Trump had previously made a similar statement during a visit to Ireland on September 12.

The US president has also indicated that major developments could take place regarding Iran, as Washington continues to assess its response to the wider regional conflict.

Fighting intensifies in Yemen

The Houthis have launched a major offensive in Yemen, taking control of additional territory from the internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.

According to the UN refugee agency, the fighting has killed hundreds of people and displaced more than 110,000.

A fragile truce reached in 2022 collapsed in July, while the Houthis launched a broader offensive this month. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas.

The escalation has also affected energy exports and maritime traffic in the region.

Bab el-Mandeb raises global shipping concerns

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, remains a key route for global shipping and energy supplies.

The latest fighting has increased concerns about the security of commercial vessels passing through the waterway.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara had discussed the situation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He said military assistance could be considered if requested.

Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Egypt and held talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as regional diplomatic efforts continued.

The latest Houthi attack comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to involve Iran and several Iran-aligned groups, adding further pressure on regional security, shipping and global energy markets.