Saudi Arabia has vowed to take all necessary steps to defend its territory after Houthi attacks wounded 73 people. Riyadh condemned the strikes and demanded an immediate end to further escalation.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued the warning through a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. Meanwhile, authorities also called for an end to Houthi attacks targeting shipping in the region.
According to Saudi officials, Houthi strikes targeted several energy facilities in the kingdom’s southern region. The attacks sparked fires and temporarily halted some operations. Additionally, officials reported several injuries following the strikes.
Houthi Strikes Target Saudi Energy Facilities
The Saudi-led coalition said the attacks targeted civilian and economic sites. Consequently, 73 civilians suffered injuries, according to the Joint Forces Command. The coalition also vowed to respond by neutralising threats against Saudi territory.
Houthi media outlet Ansarollah claimed the rebels targeted several locations inside Saudi Arabia. These included Abha International Airport, King Khalid air base and Aramco facilities in Abha and Jizan.
The latest escalation followed accusations from the Houthis against Saudi Arabia. On Monday, the rebels alleged that Saudi forces carried out strikes around Yemen. They particularly highlighted an attack on a prison in Al-Hazm.
Yemen Fighting Intensifies Near Strategic Waterway
Houthi-affiliated media reported that the prison attack killed 11 people. Officials also said 20 inmates remained missing under the rubble. Additionally, reports indicated that a child visiting the facility died in the attack.
Meanwhile, fighting has intensified along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast. The Houthis are attempting to advance towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategically important maritime passage.
More than 300 people have reportedly died during recent fighting near the Red Sea coast. Hundreds of families have also been displaced by the renewed conflict. Furthermore, the waterway remains vital for regional shipping and Saudi oil exports.
The Yemen conflict reignited in July after several years of relative calm. Saudi-backed government forces continue fighting the Iran-backed Houthis, who control major population centres, including Sanaa.
