Houthi Attacks on Saudi Cities Disrupt Oil Supplies Amid Escalating Iran-US Tensions

A series of drone and missile attacks by the Houthi group struck four cities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, leaving over 70 people wounded and setting oil facilities ablaze.

The strikes targeted an airbase in Khamis Mushait and sites belonging to the state oil company in Abha, Najran, and Jazan, a Red Sea port city with a major refinery and power plant.

NASA satellite images showed thick black smoke over the Jazan refinery and white smoke rising from an oil distribution center in Abha. Saudi authorities reported 73 wounded, including women and children, suggesting one of the largest attacks on the kingdom since the war began in February.

The conflict has eased in recent years but a ceasefire has collapsed, with the Houthis threatening shipping at the mouth of the Red Sea. In response, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a multi-pronged offensive against Houthi-held areas, after the group tried to advance on government positions.