In brief
The Yemen‑based Houthi movement fired dozens of drones and missiles at Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, striking cities such as Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Injuries, including women and children, totalled 73, with several facilities temporarily shut down. Saudi forces warned of a ‘dangerous escalation’ and vowed to retaliate. The Houthi leadership claimed the assault was retaliation for recent Saudi air strikes on Yemen’s western provinces and a prison bombing. The conflict between Yemen’s government and the Houthis has intensified over the past months, with the pillars of oil and maritime security under threat. The Red Sea’s strategic importance for global energy flows became a focal point as attacks near the Bab al-Mandab Strait caused further displacement and casualties. Both sides blame each other for aggressive actions, raising concerns of a broader Middle East engagement and economic fallout.
The Yemen‑based Houthi insurgents launched a coordinated assault on Saudi Arabia’s southern cities and energy infrastructure, striking Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran with dozens of drones and missiles. Sources say the attacks caused extensive fires at oil plants and other civilian sites, temporarily halting operations.
A total of 73 civilians were injured, with women and children among those affected. The Saudi‑led coalition’s military and energy ministry quickly confirmed the damage and pledged to respond to what it described as a "dangerous escalation".
Speaking to the media, Maj Gen Turki al‑Maliki, the coalition’s spokesman, described the attacks as a "hostile and irresponsible approach of this terrorist militia." He added that coalition forces would "take all necessary operational measures to deter" the Houthi group.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea condemned Saudi airstrikes that the movement claims have hit more than 120 targets in Yemen’s Marib, al‑Bayda, Hudaydah, Taiz and Jawf provinces over the last three days. In retaliation, the Houthis reportedly deployed dozens of ballistic missiles and drones.
The attacks come amid a fragile ceasefire that began in 2022, which the Houthis have been attempting to undermine through a maritime embargo and persistent strikes on Saudi assets.
On the ground, the South‑West coast of Yemen has seen intense fighting as the Houthis push to control the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a critical maritime choke point that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Over 300 people have died and 18,500 residents displaced in the conflict zone.
For the international community, the escalating war threatens to disrupt the world’s oil supply chain. Saudi Arabia’s position in the region, coupled with the ongoing US‑Israel conflict with Iran, underscores the strategic importance of Red Sea shipping lanes and the potential for broader regional destabilization.
