Houthis Launch Major Attacks on Saudi Arabia Using Missiles and Drones
The Houthis launched another series of attacks on several regions in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (9/9). This action marks the second attack in two consecutive days amidst rising tensions between the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition.
In the latest assault, the Houthis targeted the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan using ballistic missiles and drones. A day earlier, the group also launched attacks on an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure facilities in the surrounding areas.
This series of strikes is described as one of the largest attacks against Saudi Arabia since the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran tensions. The attacks on Tuesday (8/9) reportedly left 73 people, including women and children, injured. The Houthis stated that the attacks were a response to increased Saudi military operations in Yemen.
Turki al Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi coalition and the Yemeni government, stated that the Houthis continue to target Saudi national assets and infrastructure. Al Malki emphasised that the coalition will respond responsibly to maintain Saudi sovereignty, protect national assets, and ensure the safety of civilians.
Tensions between the Saudi coalition and the Houthis have reportedly escalated in recent months, sparking fears that an open conflict between the two parties could worsen, similar to the situation in 2022. In recent days, Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have launched a series of operations from various directions into territories still under Houthi control.
The Yemeni government stated that these operations aim to reclaim all territories currently held by the Houthis. Forces allied with the government have also sent reinforcements to the strategic port city of Mocha on the western coast, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Houthi group attacked populated districts in Taiz and Hodeidah with 14 ballistic missiles and drones, though Yemeni forces claim to have intercepted the attacks.