The Saudi-led military coalition carried out airstrikes on oil facilities west of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, on Tuesday, triggering fresh threats of retaliation from Houthi rebels amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East. According to the Associated Press, the strikes targeted the al-Subaha area, where facilities belonging to the Yemeni Oil Company are located. The attacks followed an evacuation warning issued by the Saudi-led coalition, urging civilians to leave the company’s premises and nearby storage areas ahead of military operations. Residents reported hearing explosions in Sana’a, while the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah television channel also reported strikes on oil installations west of the capital. The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. The Yemeni Oil Company said its storage facilities were empty and maintained that the strikes would not affect fuel reserves or supplies to residents. The strikes reportedly followed the interception of drones near Riyadh, further heightening tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that any further Saudi attacks on Sana’a would prompt retaliation against the Saudi capital. According to AP, Saree said such attacks would be met with a “firm and painful” response in Riyadh.
The Houthis have also warned people to stay away from Saudi Aramco oil facilities, describing them as legitimate targets in the event of further escalation.
Source: Kanal13
