Saudi Arabia has condemned a fresh wave of Houthi attacks that wounded 73 people and damaged sites across the kingdom. The Saudi Foreign Ministry called for an immediate end to the escalation. Moreover, Riyadh warned that it would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty.
The ministry also demanded an end to Houthi attacks on shipping. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities said strikes targeted energy facilities in the southern region.
According to the Energy Ministry, the attacks sparked fires at several locations. Consequently, some operations temporarily stopped, while several people suffered injuries.
Houthis Target Saudi Energy Facilities
The Saudi-led coalition said the latest attacks targeted civilian and economic sites. It also confirmed that 73 civilians suffered injuries.
“The Terrorist Houthi Militia’s senseless attacks, the latest of which targeted civilian and economic sites”, resulted in “injuries to (73) civilians,” the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition said.
The coalition also vowed to respond to the attacks and neutralise the threat.
Meanwhile, Houthi media reported strikes against several Saudi targets. These included Abha International Airport, King Khalid air base and Aramco facilities in Abha and Jizan.
Saudi-Houthi Tensions Escalate
The latest strikes followed Houthi accusations against Riyadh over attacks inside Yemen.
The rebels claimed Saudi forces bombarded areas around the country, including a prison in Al-Hazm. According to Houthi officials, the attack killed 11 people and left 20 inmates missing beneath the rubble.
Additionally, a child visiting the facility reportedly died in the bombardment.
Fighting Intensifies Near Bab al-Mandab
The Houthis have launched a broad offensive along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast. Experts say the group aims to advance towards the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Furthermore, it serves as a major route for international shipping and Saudi oil exports.
Meanwhile, fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Iran-backed Houthis has intensified since July.
The conflict has displaced families and killed more than 300 people in recent fighting near the Red Sea coast.
The Houthis control several major population centres, including Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Consequently, renewed fighting threatens to deepen regional instability and disrupt vital maritime routes.
