In brief
Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi movement launched a volley of missiles and drones aimed at Saudi Arabia’s energy hubs, causing fires at oil facilities and injuring 73 people. The attacks struck four southwestern Saudi cities, temporarily halting operations at key plants. Saudi officials label the assault a dangerous escalation, threatening retaliation. The Houthis claim the strikes are revenge for Saudi airstrikes on Yemen’s western territories. Tensions in the Red Sea could widen the regional conflict and disrupt global oil supplies.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired dozens of drones and missiles at Saudi Arabia’s southern cities and energy sites.
The attacks targeted the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, sparking fires in oil facilities and temporarily shutting down production. Officials say 73 people were injured, including women and children.
Saudi Arabia’s coalition spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Turki al‑Maliki, called the attacks a “dangerous escalation” and warned that the country would take "all necessary operational measures" to deter the militia. He called the Houthis a terrorist militia.
The Houthi commander accused the Saudi military of launching more than 120 air strikes on Yemeni provinces over the past three days, claiming the rebels’ retaliatory missile barrage caused significant damage.
The conflict in Yemen has spread to the Red Sea, a vital oil transit route, heightening fears of a wider Middle East showdown that could ripple through global markets.
