Houthi Attacks Ignite Fires at Saudi Oil Facilities, Wound Over 70 People

A wave of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia has left over 70 people wounded and ignited fires at several oil facilities in the kingdom's southern region. The attacks, which targeted 'civilian and economic facilities' in cities such as Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait, were described by a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition as a 'serious escalation' of the conflict.

The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they were in response to recent Saudi attacks on their positions across Yemen. In a statement, Brigadier General Yahya Saree said they had fired dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at oil and economic facilities, as well as an air base in southern Saudi Arabia.

The attacks have raised concerns about the stability of global energy markets, particularly given the ongoing conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical route for shipping through the Arabian Peninsula, is also at risk of being disrupted by the escalating violence.