AFP //

The United States has warned that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels could rapidly escalate. Washington issued this warning following the first-ever missile attack on Riyadh.

US President Donald Trump cut short his vacation in Maryland to return to the White House. Although the specific reason for his return was not disclosed, the move came after the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reached a new level of intensity.

Loud explosions were heard twice in the Saudi capital on Saturday. AFP journalists witnessed a fire burning in a tank bearing the logo of the oil company Aramco, located near the airport.

Following the incident, the US State Department warned that there is a “potential for rapid escalation of the conflict.” US citizens outside the Middle East have also been urged to reconsider travel to the region.

Through recent operations, the Iran-backed Houthis have seized control of vast areas of Yemen. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in clashes with Saudi-backed government forces. According to UN estimates, more than 110,000 people have been displaced.

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