Houthis Claim Direct Missile Hit on Saudi Defence Ministry

Houthis said on Tuesday that a ballistic missile hit the Saudi Defence Ministry in Riyadh, describing the impact as a "direct hit". The claim follows Saudi reports that two missiles were intercepted earlier that day.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, said the attack was part of a broader campaign against the kingdom’s key infrastructure. He also claimed a missile struck the Ras Tanura refinery, igniting massive fires, though Saudi authorities have yet to confirm the damage.

A resident of Al Khobar, near the refinery, told AFP a loud bang echoed across the city and an alert sounded on his phone. Vanguard, the Saudi maritime security agency, confirmed a fire at Ras Tanura but said the blaze was contained, leaving the impact on oil loading operations unclear.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities that began in September. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly traveled to Tehran this week to discuss a $1 billion ceasefire package brokered by Iran, as reported by Israel Hayom. The meeting included representatives from Turkey and Pakistan.

With the interception of the missiles and the fire at the refinery, Riyadh is moving toward a diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Officials say the next meeting will address both the immediate threat and a broader ceasefire framework.