RIYADH: Saudi Arabia under fresh Houthi attack faced a new wave of missile and drone strikes on Wednesday, with the southern cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait and Jazan targeted as tensions surrounding Yemen’s long-running conflict continued to intensify. The latest attacks marked the second consecutive day of Houthi strikes against the kingdom and raised fresh concerns that fighting in Yemen could escalate into a broader regional confrontation.
The Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen said the Iran-aligned Houthis targeted the southern Saudi areas with ballistic missiles and drones. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said the attacks represented continued attempts to target Saudi Arabia’s national assets and infrastructure.
Saudi authorities said Civil Defence alerts in Khamis Mushait and Abha were lifted on Wednesday, following attacks the previous day that reportedly wounded 73 people and caused fires at oil-related installations.
Al-Malki said the Saudi-led coalition would respond responsibly to the latest attacks, stressing that measures would be taken to protect the kingdom’s sovereignty, national assets and civilian population.
Saudi Arabia Under Fresh Houthi Attack as Tensions Rise
The latest escalation follows a major wave of Houthi attacks on Tuesday, when the group targeted an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby areas. The attacks were described as among the most significant strikes against Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in February.
The renewed violence has heightened concerns about the durability of the relative calm that followed a United Nations-brokered truce in 2022. The truce largely brought an end to years of intense fighting between the Houthis and forces backed by Saudi Arabia, although the underlying political and military divisions remained unresolved.
Saudi Arabia has played a central role in Yemen’s conflict by leading an Arab coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government based in the country’s south. The government was forced from the capital, Sanaa, after the Houthis seized control of the city about 12 years ago.
The conflict has increasingly become intertwined with wider regional tensions. The Houthis maintain close ties with Iran, while Saudi Arabia remains a key U.S. ally in the region, making renewed fighting in Yemen particularly sensitive.
Red Sea Tensions Add to Regional Pressure
The latest confrontation also comes amid growing tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to carry out strikes against what it described as Houthi military facilities inside Yemen.
The developments have added another layer to an already complicated regional security situation, with attacks on shipping routes, military installations and critical infrastructure increasing the risk of a wider escalation.
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At the same time, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a multi-pronged offensive against Houthi-held territory in recent days. The offensive reportedly followed attempts by the Houthis to advance against government positions.
Yemen’s government has said its broader objective is to retake all territory currently controlled by the Houthis, a goal that could lead to further military confrontations if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the escalation.
Houthi Authorities Report Deaths in Yemen
While Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from Houthi forces, casualties have also been reported inside Yemen following Saudi military action.
Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, citing the group’s health ministry, reported that at least 32 people had been killed in Saudi strikes in Yemen’s Al Jawf province over two days. Saudi Arabia has not publicly announced
