Saudi Arabia Warns of Firm Response After Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks
Saudi Arabia has warned that it will take a firm response to attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi movement after missile and drone strikes wounded 13 people in the kingdom.
The latest escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen and growing tensions across the wider region.
Missile and Drone Attacks Reported
The Saudi-led coalition said attacks were carried out on Monday against areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.
According to the coalition, the strikes injured 13 civilians and damaged seven houses and two vehicles.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia.
A resident of Khamis Mushait told AFP that several explosions were heard in the area and fires remained visible for an extended period.
The Houthis also claimed that Saudi Arabia responded with more than 50 strikes.
Saudi Arabia Pledges Strong Measures
The Saudi-led coalition said it would respond firmly to protect the kingdom’s sovereignty.
It also said authorities would take necessary operational measures to deter what it described as a hostile approach.
Saudi authorities had earlier issued temporary security alerts for several areas, including Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, before cancelling them.
The Houthis have also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure in recent days, adding to concerns over regional energy supplies and international oil markets.
Fighting Intensifies in Yemen
The latest attacks come as fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government forces has intensified following the renewed conflict in Yemen.
A Houthi strike in western Yemen on Monday reportedly killed eight government soldiers, according to military sources.
The Houthis have also declared a maritime blockade and expanded their activities around key waterways, including the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The strategic waterway has become increasingly important amid wider regional tensions and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
UN Security Council to Discuss Escalation
Diplomatic sources said the United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the Houthi offensive as regional tensions continue to rise.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also expected to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as part of ongoing regional diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Houthi political official Hazem al-Assad said the group would continue its attacks as long as Saudi Arabia maintained what the Houthis describe as aggression against Yemen.
Wider Regional Tensions Continue
The renewed violence in Yemen is taking place against the backdrop of a broader regional conflict involving the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump recently indicated that Washington remained open to talks with Tehran, although Iranian officials have said negotiations would require their conditions to be met.
Iran has previously demanded measures including war reparations and the lifting of sanctions as part of any potential agreement.
A proposed meeting between Gulf countries and Iran concerning the future of the Strait of Hormuz was also postponed.
Qatar has warned that any closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait could have serious consequences for global trade and the international economy.
Yemen Faces Fresh Humanitarian Pressure
Yemen has been affected by a prolonged conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
Saudi Arabia subsequently led a coalition that intervened on behalf of the internationally recognised Yemeni government in 2015.
The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the country.
The UN migration agency said the latest escalation has already forced 93,864 people to leave their homes, adding further pressure to Yemen’s humanitarian situation.
