Yemen’s Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones at targets in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, injuring 73 people, including women and children, and causing fires that temporarily halted operations at some energy facilities, according to Saudi officials.
The attacks struck the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said. Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry reported that energy sector facilities and installations in the south were hit, producing fires and requiring a temporary suspension of some operations.
Saudi authorities described the incidents as a serious escalation. The Saudi foreign ministry stated that the kingdom would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and demanded that the Houthis halt attacks on Saudi territory. A coalition spokesperson said forces would take all necessary operational measures to deter the Houthis.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group carried out a large-scale operation using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. He stated that the strikes targeted energy facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in Abha, Najran and Jazan, as well as an air base in Khamis Mushait, and described the action as retaliation for recent Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, including one the Houthis said struck a prison.
Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the Houthi claims regarding the number or nature of its recent airstrikes. The attacks occurred amid ongoing fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and against the backdrop of broader regional tensions.
Satellite imagery analyzed by news organizations showed smoke rising over sites including a refinery area in Jazan and an oil distribution center in Abha.
SOURCES: Reuters, Associated Press, The New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, Saudi Energy Ministry, Saudi-led coalition statements, Houthi statements.
