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Houthis Strike Saudi Capital: Oil Markets on Edge?

20 Sept5 min read· 📷 Fahad Puthawala

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have launched ballistic missiles at the Saudi capital Riyadh, reportedly striking a fuel depot at the airport and causing flight delays. This escalation raises renewed concerns about Middle East stability and its potential impact on global oil supplies and shipping routes, crucial for India's .

Several

Flight Delays

⏳ Time Machine

How today’s news fits into the bigger picture

  1. March 2015

    Saudi-led Coalition Intervenes in Yemen

    A Saudi-led military coalition launched operations in Yemen against the Houthi movement, aiming to restore the internationally recognized government. This marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict. The intervention involved airstrikes and ground forces.

  2. September 2019

    Aramco Oil Facilities Attacked

    Major drone and missile attacks hit Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq and Khurais oil processing facilities, temporarily slashing Saudi oil output by half and causing a dramatic spike in global crude prices. The US blamed Iran for the attack.

  3. January 2022

    Houthi Attacks on UAE

    The Houthis launched unprecedented drone and missile attacks on Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, striking oil facilities and an airport construction site, killing three people. This expanded the conflict's reach.

  4. March 2022

    Jeddah Oil Depot Strike

    A Houthi missile attack hit a Saudi Aramco oil depot in Jeddah, causing a large fire but no significant casualties. The attack occurred during a Formula 1 race nearby, drawing international condemnation.

  5. Yesterday, Sept 19, 2026

    Riyadh Airport Fuel Depot Hit

    A fuel depot at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was reportedly struck by Houthi ballistic missiles, causing flight delays and raising immediate concerns about regional stability. Saudi authorities confirmed an 'aerial aggression.'

  6. Today

    Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed a ballistic missile attack on Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.

  7. What happens next?

    Energy markets will be closely watched for sustained price impacts, while diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict will likely intensify in the coming days.

Yemen's Houthi rebels announced they targeted military sites and a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Riyadh with ballistic missiles. Reports indicate a fuel depot at Riyadh airport was hit, leading to flight delays on Saturday. Saudi authorities confirmed an 'aerial aggression' but did not specify the target. This attack represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, threatening to disrupt global oil supplies and increasing shipping risks in the Red Sea region, which is a vital conduit for India's energy imports and trade.

💭 If you're wondering…

The Houthi movement is an armed political and religious movement that emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s. They are currently the de facto ruling authority in parts of Yemen, including the capital Sana'a, and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015.

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