Scores injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s 4 cities

Yemen’s Houthi movement launched a series of drone and missile attacks against four cities in southern Saudi Arabia on September 8, resulting in more than 70 injuries. Saudi authorities reported that 73 people, including women and children, were injured in the strikes, which also caused fires at several oil-related facilities.

The targeted locations included a Saudi military airbase in Khamis Mushait, facilities linked to the state-owned oil company near Abha, and sites in Najran and the Red Sea port city of Jazan. The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the operation, describing it as a wide-ranging military strike deep within Saudi territory.

Colonel Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that the coalition would respond to the attacks. In a statement posted on social media, he said the coalition would take necessary operational measures to deter the militia and confront its hostile approach. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree attributed the escalation to Saudi air strikes in Yemen and indicated that the movement would continue to retaliate.

The attacks occurred amid heightened regional tensions and a broader conflict involving the United States, Iran, and their respective allies. Following the news of the strikes, Brent crude oil prices rose by more than two percent, exceeding 99 U.S. dollars per barrel. Analysts noted that continued instability in the region could place further pressure on global energy markets and threaten oil supplies.

This incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has seen renewed intensity following a period of relative calm in August. The Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in a conflict with the Houthis in Yemen for over a decade, though the intensity of the fighting had previously subsided before the recent breakdown of a ceasefire.

Article and image source: iraqsun.com