Dramatic recent advances by the Iran-backed Houthis, including the seizure of a strategically important island in the Red Sea, have dealt another blow to a region reeling from the US war with Iran and exacerbated an already severe global energy crisis.

Authorities also issued warnings for Jeddah and Yanbu, a major industrial port and home to vital oil facilities

In Yemen, heavy fighting continues between the Houthi militia and troops of the internationally recognized government.

The U.S. opted not to intervene as Yemen’s Houthi rebels seized a major choke point for Saudi oil shipments on the Red Sea.

A reported strike on a fuel depot at Riyadh airport caused delays on Saturday, as Saudi Arabia says it shot down a ballistic missile aimed at the capital.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who are now advancing on a key maritime checkpoint and striking Saudi oil facilities, have been at war for years.

The Iran-backed militia in Yemen made its claim hours after a Saudi-led military coalition accused it of firing a drone near the Muslim holy city.

Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile and drone, marking the first such attach since fighting escalated in July.