DUBAI — Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missile and drone strikes on Tuesday that wounded at least 73 people in Saudi Arabia, igniting fires at multiple oil facilities and halting operations at some energy sites. The attacks targeted the southern cities of Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait, according to Saudi authorities and coalition statements.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported that civilian and economic facilities were struck, including sites operated by state oil company Aramco. The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed fires erupted at several locations, prompting emergency response teams to contain the blazes and assess damage. Operations at affected energy facilities were temporarily suspended as authorities implemented safety measures.
Saudi coalition vows firm response
Colonel Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, described the attacks as a ‘dangerous escalation’ and a ‘flagrant violation of Saudi sovereignty.’ The coalition stated it would take ‘all necessary operational measures’ to deter the Houthis, calling the group a ‘terrorist militia.’
Al-Malki emphasized that the strikes targeted civilian and economic sites, injuring women and children among the 73 reported casualties. The coalition did not provide a detailed breakdown of injuries or damage assessments.
Houthi claims and regional escalation
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the group launched a ‘broad operation deep into Saudi territory,’ targeting Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Base, and Aramco facilities in Abha and Jizan. Houthi media claimed the strikes were in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, which the Houthis alleged hit a prison in Al-Hazm, Jawf province, killing 11 inmates and leaving 20 missing under rubble.
Saudi Arabia did not publicly confirm the Houthi allegations regarding the prison strike. However, the coalition acknowledged ongoing clashes along multiple frontlines in Yemen, including advances by Saudi-backed government forces in Hodeida, Taiz, and Baydah provinces.
Regional reactions and economic impact
Saudi Arabia’s regional allies condemned the attacks. Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait described the strikes as a ‘dangerous escalation’ and ‘blatant violation of Saudi sovereignty.’ The assaults occurred amid heightened regional tensions, with Brent crude prices rising above $99 per barrel following the disruption to Saudi energy infrastructure.
The Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical shipping route near Yemen, faces renewed risk of disruption, compounding concerns over global oil supply routes. The Strait of Hormuz, another key chokepoint, has already seen reduced traffic due to the broader Middle East conflict.
Background: Collapse of Yemen truce
The attacks mark a significant escalation following the collapse of a four-year truce in Yemen’s civil war. The truce had largely held since 2022, despite sporadic violence. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have accused Saudi Arabia of escalatory airstrikes in recent weeks, including strikes in Jawf, Al-Bayda, Marib, and Taiz provinces.
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces reported conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions in response to the escalation. The renewed fighting has resulted in hundreds of casualties in recent weeks, according to reports.
Saudi response and future measures
The Saudi Energy Ministry stated that authorities were ‘dealing with the repercussions’ of the attacks and would ensure the safety of facilities and workers. The ministry pledged to ‘continue operations according to approved plans’ once risks were mitigated.
Colonel al-Malki reiterated Saudi Arabia’s ‘legitimate right to defend its sovereignty,’ signaling potential further military action. The coalition’s response is expected to unfold in the coming days, with regional observers warning of potential retaliatory strikes in Yemen.
For now, the immediate focus remains on containment of fires, casualty assessments, and securing energy infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia.