Multiple Blasts Rock Saudi Capital Riyadh and Oil Tanker Catches Fire - Latest Key Updates

At least four loud explosions were heard in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Tuesday, heightening regional tensions. Prior to these blasts, Saudi authorities had issued serious warnings regarding potential aerial attacks targeting the capital and several other sensitive regions across the country. According to officials, two ballistic missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen were successfully intercepted and destroyed by the Royal Saudi Air Defense forces in mid-air. However, initial reports couldn't immediately clarify whether the explosions were caused by the impact of falling debris from the missiles and drones or resulted from the interception process in the sky above.

Debris From Intercepted Missiles Damages Buildings and Vehicles

Saudi civil defense authorities stated on the social media platform X that fragments from the two intercepted ballistic missiles fell across various areas of Riyadh. The falling debris caused material damage to a residential building, an active construction site, and a civilian vehicle. In addition to the capital city, authorities had issued heightened attack alerts for several other vital regions, including Abha, Najran, and the Khamis Mushait governorate, though these alerts were later lifted once the immediate danger subsided. Initial assessments confirmed that no major casualties or injuries had occurred from the falling debris.

Houthis Claim Responsibility for Targeting Saudi Defense Ministry

Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed on X on Tuesday that a rebel ballistic missile had directly targeted the headquarters of the Saudi Ministry of Defense in Riyadh. The Houthis also claimed to have launched a separate missile strike targeting the vital Ras Tanura oil refinery situated in the eastern province of the kingdom. However, the prominent international news agency Associated Press (AP) couldn't independently verify these militant claims. On top of that, Saudi authorities didn't issue any immediate official comment regarding the alleged attack on the oil refinery.

Three Additional Ballistic Missiles Fired Toward Eastern Saudi Arabia

According to statements from Saudi officials, three more ballistic missiles were fired from Yemen toward the eastern region of the country on Tuesday, all of which were successfully intercepted and destroyed by the air defense systems. Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, reported on X that coalition forces had also intercepted four Houthi explosive-laden drones aimed at the southern territory of Saudi Arabia, while he detailed the interception of the three ballistic missiles directed toward the eastern sector as well. Nevertheless, he didn't provide comprehensive details or concrete evidence to support these assertions, and AP remained unable to independently verify them.

Two Dead Reported in Gas Station Strike Near Taiz in Yemen

In Yemen, the Houthi-controlled health ministry alleged that Saudi-backed government forces carried out a deadly airstrike late Monday night targeting a civilian gas station near the strategic city of Taiz. According to the ministry, the attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two people and left several others seriously injured. Ministry spokesperson Anis al-Asbahi directly blamed government forces for deliberately targeting the fuel station. Conversely, the Yemeni military stated on X that it had executed precise airstrikes focusing exclusively on identified Houthi military positions in the area.

Fierce Fighting Escalates Intensively in the City of Taiz

Houthi-run Al-Masirah television broadcasted distressing footage showing two body bags and wounded civilians receiving emergency medical treatment in a local hospital, while the channel also claimed that government forces conducted airstrikes on Tuesday targeting the Houthi-controlled port city of Mocha and the Bab el-Mandeb strait near the Dhubab district. The Associated Press couldn't independently verify these claims. A local eyewitness in Mocha reported via telephone that he heard two loud explosions at approximately 4:00 AM, with one occurring in close proximity to the harbor. Requesting anonymity due to severe fear of reprisals from the Houthi forces, the witness described a worsening security situation.

Taiz serves as Yemen's third-largest city and acts as the provincial capital of Taiz governorate, while houthi rebels have maintained a suffocating siege around the city for many weeks, cutting off most vital supply routes originating from government-controlled territories. Despite this blockade, government forces continue to mount counter-offensives, resulting in an intense escalation of armed conflict between the warring factions.

Oil Tanker Strikes Sea Mine and Catches Fire in Strait of Hormuz

In a separate maritime escalation, the Iranian military announced on Tuesday that an unidentified oil tanker struck naval sea mines located east of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, causing a massive fire to break out onboard. According to Iran's official state news agency IRNA, the identity of the damaged tanker has not been publicly disclosed. The military alleged that the vessel had deliberately switched off its automated tracking and navigation systems while attempting to stealthily navigate through a restricted maritime zone. Although the vessel sustained notable structural damage from the incident, no casualties or injuries among the crew members were reported.

Tehran's naval command issued a stern warning, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and critically unsafe for unverified navigation. Officials stated that any commercial vessels attempting to pass through the waterway without obtaining prior permission would face severe security risks. To ensure safe passage, maritime operators must coordinate directly with Iranian armed forces. S. military interference in the Persian Gulf is driving sudden spikes in global energy prices and threatening overall international economic growth.

Houthis Issue Warning to Egypt Over Support for Saudi Arabia

In regional diplomatic developments, a senior Houthi political official warned on Tuesday that the Egyptian parliament's decision to support Saudi Arabia could drag Cairo directly into the ongoing military conflict against Yemen. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, stated in a video interview with the Associated Press that the movement would treat any such backing as a hostile act, while he accused Saudi Arabia of being the primary aggressor driving the military campaign inside Yemen. Egypt stands as the most populous nation in the Arab world, and the Houthi warning comes amid rising military friction and geopolitical volatility across the wider Middle East.