Yemen confirms strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, Saada after Riyadh Aramco attack claim

Sanaa: Yemen’s internationally recognised government on Saturday confirmed that its forces had carried out strikes against what it described as “vital targets” held by the Houthi group in Sanaa and Saada.

The announcement came after the Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed it had launched missiles and drones at Aramco facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued through the media centre of Yemen’s Armed Forces, the government’s military spokesperson said strikes were targeting Houthi-controlled areas.

“We are delivering painful strikes against vital targets of the terrorist Houthi militia in Sanaa and Saada,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also warned that Houthi military capabilities would continue to be targeted.

“The capabilities of the Houthi militia will not be safe from the fire of our armed forces, and we will destroy them,” the statement said.

The claim followed a statement by Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, who said the group had carried out a “qualitative military operation” against Aramco facilities in Riyadh using ballistic missiles and drones.

The Houthis said the attack was in response to Saudi strikes on Sanaa and other areas under their control.

According to the group, Saudi attacks over the previous 24 hours had reached 60 airstrikes and missile attacks. It also claimed that the total number of Saudi attacks since the latest escalation had reached 1,410.

The Houthis claimed the operation against Aramco had achieved its objectives and that fires broke out at the targeted sites.

“The strikes were precise and direct, resulting in fire breaking out at the targeted sites,” the statement said.

The group also threatened further escalation, saying it would respond to what it described as continued attacks against Yemen.

It said it would maintain its policy of escalation until what it called the “aggression” and blockade against Yemen ended.

The latest exchange marks a fresh escalation in the conflict, with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis issuing competing claims over military operations and accusing each other of intensifying hostilities.

ANI