"Our armed forces launched a ballistic missile targeting King Khalid Airport in Riyadh at midday today. The projectile successfully hit its target", Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's Houthi armed group, stated today.

He announced Houthi was issuing a "final warning" to all international airlines regarding the consequences of continuing flights through Saudi airspace, emphasizing the region had become "a battlefield". However, the Houthi official noted the warning did not apply to the airspace over the Islamic holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

Spokesperson Saree also urged employees at Saudi oil facilities to evacuate for their safety.

Fire breaks out at an Aramco oil facility south of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 3/10. Photo: AFP

The announcement came shortly after the Saudi-led international coalition reported intercepting two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh.

Data from the FlightRadar24 platform indicated numerous flights to and from King Khalid International Airport were delayed. Informed sources stated several multinational corporations based in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District requested employees work remotely, following reports of loud explosions on the morning of 8/10.

Some schools in Riyadh also informed parents of an order for everyone to remain indoors, although Saudi officials did not issue a public warning.

The conflict between Houthi and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces re-escalated since July. The armed group also declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and targeted its vessels in the Red Sea.

Houthi forces asserted maritime activity through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained smooth and free, except for Saudi vessels. Data from maritime tracking firm Kpler showed Saudi exports via Bab el-Mandeb significantly declined since July.

Location of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Graphic: Guardian

Last month, Houthi controlled the Red Sea coastal area and several strategic islands commanding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in addition to attacking oil and gas infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia sought support from allies, including the US, against Houthi attacks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on 8/10 that Turkey and Pakistan were considering providing air defense systems, electronic warfare, and technical support to Saudi Arabia under a signed tripartite agreement, emphasizing its defensive nature, not offensive.

"Turkey will not deploy troops into another country's territory to launch an attack", he said, adding Ankara sought to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information announced on 8/10 that Islamabad would release information regarding military involvement if necessary.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)