The key facts

  • The Kingdom Centre skyscraper in Riyadh moved tenants, including the IMF and Merrill Lynch, to remote work without explaining the reasons — according to AFP.
  • Schools in Riyadh have been online for a second week, and King Khalid airport is closed after a Houthi attack that killed 13 people.
  • The coalition reported the deaths of two helicopter pilots due to a 'technical malfunction'; the Houthis earlier claimed to have downed an Apache.

Kingdom Centre Skyscraper Moved to Remote Work

The management of the 99-storey Kingdom Centre skyscraper in Riyadh, one of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia, told tenants that working from home would become 'mandatory' with immediate effect and until further notice. No reason was given; the AFP news agency links the decision to possible attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Among the tenants are the International Monetary Fund and the asset management company Merrill Lynch. The shopping mall located at the base of the tower remains open for now.

Schools Online, Airport Closed

Classes in schools in Riyadh and surrounding districts have been held online for the second week. King Khalid International Airport in the capital remains closed after a Houthi attack in which, according to reports, 13 people were killed.

Coalition's First Military Losses

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition reported its first military fatalities since the escalation began: two helicopter pilots died near the Yemeni border due to a 'technical malfunction'. Earlier, the Houthis claimed they had shot down an Apache helicopter 'belonging to the Saudi enemy'.

Drone and Missile Interceptions

According to Saudi authorities, two drones were intercepted overnight over Riyadh, and another was shot down over the Eastern Province, known for its oil reserves. Two ballistic missiles were intercepted in the south of the country. The Houthis have attacked oil facilities, tankers and international airports in Saudi Arabia; the coalition is striking areas controlled by the Houthis.

Conflict Context

The sides have confronted each other with varying intensity over the past decade. After a four-year truce, the conflict flared up last month when the Yemen-based Houthi movement seized strategic territories along the Red Sea coast.