Saudi-led coalition strikes Houthi fuel sites in Sanaa, Hodeidah and Dhamar; drones downed north of Riyadh

The Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi fuel and energy sites in Yemen on Tuesday, and said it shot down three drones north of Riyadh the same day, as the conflict that closed Riyadh's airport last weekend widened, Dawn reported from AFP. The BBC reported that missiles were intercepted near Riyadh after the strike on a Yemen fuel depot.

What was hit

Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al-Maliki said on X that it targeted "vital assets" used by the Houthis, listing:

• the Al-Sabaha central station in Sanaa,
• underground fuel reserves and tanks,
• energy terminals in Hodeidah, Sanaa and Dhamar.

Before the strike the coalition told civilians to leave a Yemen Petroleum Company facility on Sanaa's western outskirts, and an AFP correspondent heard an explosion. Residents queued at fuel stations; the Yemen Petroleum Company said its stocks were in safe places and sufficient. No casualties from the strikes had been reported.

The Houthi threats

Before the strike, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree threatened to hit Riyadh's international airport, a refinery and an Aramco facility in Dammam, and told people to stay away from those sites. On Monday the coalition said it intercepted a Houthi missile, which the Houthis said was aimed at the airport again. Al Jazeera's live coverage early on Wednesday reported that an Aramco office in the east had been hit; Saudi authorities had not given details when we published.

US President Donald Trump said he was considering joining the Saudi strikes. Houthi official Mohammed Al Bukhaiti warned Washington against it and said American interests in the region would be targeted.

What it means for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh and Dammam, both home to large Pakistani communities, are on the Houthi list.

• Flights: Riyadh's airport was shut after Saturday's attack, which killed at least 12 people, according to the AFP figures Dawn carried. France told its citizens on Tuesday to avoid the airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Pakistan has not issued a similar instruction. Before travelling, read our guide to Riyadh airport's closure and what it means for PIA passengers and Umrah pilgrims and confirm your flight with the airline.
• Money home: if you are sending riyals home, see today's riyal rate and work out what reaches your family with our currency converter.
• Oil and petrol: attacks near Saudi energy sites have already pushed Brent above $105 this week, and Pakistan now revises fuel prices daily. Follow the petrol price page for each change.

This story will be updated as the coalition and the Houthis respond.