ET Intelligence (special report on the 12th): The Middle East situation changed drastically over the weekend, with airports and energy facilities in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, coming under consecutive attacks on Saturday and Sunday (the 10th and 11th). Yemen's Houthi militants claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were in response to 'Saudi aggression.' International oil prices surged above $105 per barrel.

    On Saturday, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked, resulting in 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. On Sunday, the airport was attacked again when an unidentified missile struck Terminal 4, killing at least one person and injuring 11 others. An air defense system intercepted and destroyed a missile near the airport.

    King Fahd International Airport in the eastern Saudi city of Dammam was also attacked for two consecutive days, and authorities are assessing the damage.

    The Houthis also claimed they attacked two energy facilities of Saudi Aramco in the eastern region, sparking fires.

    Saudi Arabia retaliated by dispatching fighter jets to conduct over 120 airstrikes on Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, and several provinces.

    US President Trump stated that the United States might consider joining the Saudi-led military operation and reversed his previous stance, saying he would not rule out attacking Iran before the midterm elections. (yc)