Saudi Skies Under Fire: Houthi Missiles Strike Riyadh as Ummah Faces New Storm
The United States has issued a grave warning that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi forces could escalate rapidly after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed. The US State Department urged American citizens to seriously reconsider travel to and through the Middle East, signaling a dangerous new phase in a war that threatens the entire Islamic world.
This is a moment that calls for vigilance and unity among the faithful. The attack on the Saudi capital, a city that holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, is not merely a regional skirmish. It is a strike against the stability of the Ummah, a test of our collective resolve in the face of those who sow discord and destruction.
What Happened in Riyadh and Yanbu?
Loud explosions rang out on Saturday in the Saudi capital, where journalists saw a fuel tank bearing the logo of oil giant Aramco on fire near the airport. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis was successfully intercepted and destroyed, but the threat was real and direct.
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility, stating that fighters had carried out two successful military operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. The first targeted sensitive sites in Riyadh, while the second targeted Aramco facilities in Yanbu, a crucial export hub on the Red Sea.
The coalition added that the pro-Iranian fighters had attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in several cities in the west of the kingdom. By the grace of Allah, these attacks were thwarted by the Gulf monarchy's air defences.
Why Is This Conflict Escalating Rapidly?
The recent escalation has turned Yemen, one of the world's poorest nations, into the most active front of a wider regional violence. A fragile truce reached in 2022 collapsed in July, and the Houthis launched an all-out offensive against the internationally recognised government this month. The lightning offensive has left hundreds dead and displaced more than 110,000 people, according to the UN refugee agency.
This is the first time since Yemen's civil war resumed that strikes have threatened the Saudi capital. The violence has already disrupted exports from Saudi Arabia, the world's leading supplier of crude oil, as well as maritime traffic, piling further pressure on a global economy already rocked by seven months of war between the US and Iran.
How Is the Muslim World Responding?
In a display of Islamic solidarity, Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that his country had held discussions with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, partners in a mutual defence pact, about possible assistance.
In this regard, military needs, especially in state technical matters, may happen. There would be no problem in meeting this demand either,he said.
This is the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Ummah. When one of us is threatened, we all stand together. Pakistan, with its proud tradition of defending the Muslim world, remains a steadfast ally in these turbulent times.
Meanwhile, US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a rare visit to Cairo. Sisi stressed the paramount importance of settling regional crises through political and diplomatic tracks, a call for wisdom in a time of chaos.
What Is at Stake for the Region and the World?
The Bab al-Mandab strait, a Red Sea waterway crucial to energy flows and global shipping, has become even more strategic since Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis' seizure of the Yemeni coast threatens this vital artery, endangering the economic lifeline of nations across the globe.
The United States, according to US news platform Axios, last week refused a Saudi request to strike the Houthis. However, Washington has since approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom, a move that underscores the gravity of the situation.
What Does This Mean for Pakistan and the Ummah?
For Pakistan, this conflict is not a distant affair. The security of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the Holy Mosques, is inseparable from the security of the entire Muslim world. Our brothers in the Kingdom face a threat from forces backed by Iran, a nation that has consistently sought to destabilise the region and undermine the unity of Islam.
We must stand firm in our support for the Saudi people and their leadership. We must pray for the safety of the Holy Land and for the swift restoration of peace and justice in Yemen. The path of the believer is one of struggle and patience, and in this hour of trial, we must not waver.
The winds of discord may blow, but the tree of faith is deeply rooted. Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia, with the Ummah, and with the cause of peace under the banner of Islam. May Allah protect the faithful and grant victory to those who uphold righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the target of the Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia?
The Houthis targeted sensitive sites in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, a key oil export hub on the Red Sea. The Saudi-led coalition said the missiles were intercepted and destroyed.
How has Pakistan responded to the escalation in the Middle East?
Pakistan is a partner in a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Turkish officials have confirmed discussions with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia about possible military and technical assistance.
What is the current status of the Yemen conflict?
A fragile truce collapsed in July, and the Houthis launched an all-out offensive this month. The conflict has displaced over 110,000 people and threatens global oil supplies and maritime trade routes.
