Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed new attacks on Saudi military and oil facilities as tensions continue to spread across the region.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Wednesday that the group targeted Aramco facilities in Yanbu and an airbase in Khamis Mushait.
Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the reported attacks. Reuters reported that the Houthis had also claimed attacks on Saudi targets in recent days.
Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities
The Houthis said their latest operations targeted Saudi military and energy infrastructure.
The claims came after Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
Saudi authorities previously confirmed missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. The attacks injured 13 civilians and damaged seven homes and two vehicles, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
The escalation has raised concerns over Saudi oil infrastructure and regional energy supplies.
Iran Claims US Drone Was Shot Down
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Qeshm Island.
The IRGC said the drone was detected over the strategic island at 2:29am local time on Wednesday.
Iran claimed the aircraft was the 52nd MQ-9 drone of its type to have been shot down.
The US military had not immediately commented on the claim.
Qeshm Island lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy shipping route.
Saudi Arabia Reports Drone Intercepted Near Makkah
The Saudi-led coalition also said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said the drone was destroyed before entering restricted airspace.
Saudi Arabia described the security of Makkah and the holy sites as a major security priority. The Houthis denied targeting Makkah.
The incident came amid a wider increase in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Houthis Claim Saudi Fighter Jet Downed
Yahya Saree also claimed that Yemeni forces had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib.
The Houthis said the aircraft was conducting operations in support of Saudi-backed forces.
The group claimed it used a locally produced air-to-air missile.
There was no independent confirmation of the claim at the time of reporting. Reuters also reported that the Houthis provided no evidence for the reported shootdown.
US Says Iran Pressure Is Intensifying
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was increasing economic pressure on Iran.
He described the US campaign as a major effort targeting Iran and entities accused of helping Tehran bypass sanctions.
Bessent said the United States would intensify enforcement against facilitators of Iranian trade.
The developments come as the wider conflict continues to affect regional security, energy markets and shipping routes.
Conflict Threatens Regional Trade Routes
The latest escalation has also increased concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
The Bab el-Mandeb is a key route for global commercial shipping and energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is another critical energy corridor. Recent disruptions have already affected oil movements and increased pressure on global energy markets.
The United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen remain central to the rapidly changing regional security situation.
