Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a major attack on southwestern Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, targeting oil and other infrastructure. Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition Forces, stated that at least 73 people, including children and women, were wounded in the assault.
Al-Maliki described the attacks as “senseless” and “dangerous,” noting that Houthi forces targeted economic and civilian sites in the cities of Najran, Jazan, Khamis Mushait, and Abha. The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that the strikes caused fires at several facilities in the southern region, which resulted in the temporary halting of some operations.
Regional Escalation and Economic Impact
The assault marks a dramatic escalation in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which flared up again in July following the unraveling of a US-Iran ceasefire. This period of renewed hostility included Houthi missile attacks on tankers and Saudi oil facilities.
The attacks have impacted global energy markets, with Brent crude trading near $99 per barrel and oil prices rising more than 1% after Tuesday’s assault. Traders expressed concern that Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea could be at risk. Since the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut, Riyadh has rerouted the majority of its crude through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Additionally, the Houthis have targeted Aramco refineries on the Red Sea coast and declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the region.
International Response and Conflict Origins
The Houthi military issued a statement Tuesday claiming the attacks were a response to more than 100 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen over the previous three days, which they alleged killed many people.
The strikes drew swift condemnation from several regional allies. Egypt called the events a dangerous escalation,
while the UAE and Jordan stated the barrage violated Saudi sovereignty. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the strikes demonstrated an unacceptable disregard for civilian lives.
The US Embassy in Yemen stated that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself and asserted that the Houthis started this conflict and must bear the consequences of their aggression.
This latest violence follows the end of a fragile four-year ceasefire between the kingdom and the rebel group.
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