Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have launched a wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 73 people and triggering fires at several oil facilities and utilities, according to Saudi authorities.
The attacks targeted civilian and economic sites in the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, according to Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki. The casualties reportedly include women and children.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said the strikes caused fires at several facilities and temporarily disrupted some operations as emergency crews worked to contain the damage and assess the situation.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they used ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi economic and military targets, including facilities linked to Saudi Aramco. The group described the attacks as retaliation for Saudi actions against Houthi positions in Yemen.
Saudi authorities condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and vowed to take measures to protect the kingdom and its critical infrastructure. The latest violence comes as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensifies, threatening to further destabilize the region.
The renewed hostilities are also raising concerns about global energy security. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter, while the wider conflict threatens shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial route for oil and international trade. Oil prices rose following the attacks, with Brent crude approaching $98 a barrel.
The escalation comes amid broader tensions involving the United States, Iran and other regional actors, adding further uncertainty to an already volatile Middle East security environment.
Saudi officials say authorities are continuing to assess the damage and implement measures to ensure the safety of workers and maintain operations at affected energy facilities.
The attacks mark another significant escalation in the Yemen conflict and underscore the growing risks to civilians, energy infrastructure and global trade routes across the region.
Swifteradio.com
