Houthi attacks intensify across Saudi Arabia as UK deploys jets and US reduces staffing
publishers 208articles 567first reported 2 Oct, 06:21 UTCdeveloping since 3 Oct · 29 editions
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched a series of attacks on Saudi airports, government sites and oil infrastructure this week, prompting new defensive measures and diplomatic departures while pushing oil prices higher.
Saudi authorities said an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed a Saudi citizen and an Indian national and wounded eight others. Airport operations later resumed. Saudi Arabia also said its air defences intercepted a drone near Aramco’s Shaybah oil facility without affecting operations, while the Saudi-led coalition reported destroying four drones over the Riyadh and Madina regions.
The Houthis claimed attacks on the Saudi Defence Ministry in Riyadh, Aramco facilities in Yanbu and airports in Dammam and Abha. On Saturday, Saudi Civil Defence said two ballistic missiles aimed toward the Mecca and Medina regions were intercepted, with debris falling in Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh. The Houthis also claimed further attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports, while Yemen’s Saudi-backed government said the group fired three missiles at coast guard sites in Aden.
Britain said RAF Typhoon jets would fly defensive missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure, but would not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis. The US ordered nonemergency personnel and family members to leave its mission in Saudi Arabia, citing civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and possible rapid escalation.
Brent crude reached $115 a barrel on Friday amid concerns about regional supply disruptions, while West Texas Intermediate rose above $101.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 6 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 522 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 208
- Source articles
- 567
- Given to the writer
- 8, 6 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 522 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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