The Aramco building in Riyadh’s financial district was damaged after being targeted by ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to Agence France-Presse. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis.
“The Aramco tower in KAFD was targeted, that is certain,” one witness said, referring to the King Abdullah Financial District. Two other eyewitnesses confirmed that they had seen damage to the building.
Several floors appeared to have been damaged, one witness said, adding that there were broken windows and visible damage to part of the facade.
Wave of strikes
Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition had announced that it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh. The announcement came shortly after authorities issued a warning and Agence France-Presse journalists heard loud explosions. The coalition also announced that it had destroyed two cruise missiles launched towards Riyadh and the southern part of the country.
It was not immediately clear whether the damage to the building of Aramco, the Saudi oil giant, was caused by falling debris from the interception of a missile or by a projectile striking the building.
The attacks came hours after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education announced that in-person classes in Riyadh would resume, following several weeks of remote learning after the recent wave of strikes.
KAFD, the King Abdullah Financial District, is one of the most distinctive symbols of the economic and social reforms under way in the kingdom. It features imposing skyscrapers, luxury shops and green spaces. The district also has residences and a metro station that is particularly busy during peak hours.
Source: CNA
