Yemen and the Red Sea

Saudi-led coalition calls the Houthi claim of a strike on Riyadh misleading

DEVELOPMENT
Location
Saudi Arabia
Actors
Saudi Arabia · Houthis
Importance
Notable

Later on Saturday, 3 October 2026, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the Houthi claim of striking Riyadh was misleading. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat he said the Houthis were seeking imaginary victories and pointed to fighting around Taiz. The statement does not identify what started the fire seen at an Aramco facility that day.

Why it matters

The coalition rejected the Houthis' account of a strike on Riyadh.

Verification: Probable

Evidence: Houthis claim strike on Aramco site as Yemen fighting intensifies, Yemeni armed forces hit Houthi strongholds as fighting rages

Al Jazeera and The National both report the spokesman calling the Riyadh claim misleading. The National quotes his remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat. This is his response to a claim recorded separately. It does not establish the cause of the fire.