In retaliation for Aramco attacks, Saudis launch op against Yemeni Houthis

The Saudi-led coalition Saturday launched a military operation against the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels of Yemen, after the Houthi spokesman confirmed on Friday attacks on Aramco’s oil facilities at Jeddah, Jizan, Najran, Ras Tanura and Rabigh with missiles and “a large number of drones.” The attacks also targeted vital facilities in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Al Arabia quoted coalition sources as reporting that the kingdom’s air defense weapons destroying two explosives-laden drones targeting Najran. The Saudi military dropped leaflets on Yemen targets before its operation on Saturday, warning civilians to stay out of range of Hodeida’s oil facilities. Riyadh said it was acting to “protect global energy sources.”