Houthi Attacks Send Oil Prices Soaring Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched attacks on Saudi energy facilities and cities in southern Saudi Arabia, wounding at least 73 people and pushing oil prices to six-week highs. The strikes came after a tit-for-tat exchange of attacks on ships in the Gulf last weekend, with Iran warning that its energy infrastructure was vulnerable. Fires erupted at some energy facilities, and several people were injured as emergency teams rushed to contain the blazes.
The Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. The conflict is part of a broader cycle of pauses and flare-ups that has marked the six-month-old war between Iran and its US-backed allies. Despite major US barrages, Tehran has maintained missile and drone capabilities to threaten oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz without permission.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said fires broke out at some energy facilities, and several people were injured as emergency teams rushed to contain the blazes. The Houthi rebels have vowed to continue their attacks against Saudi Arabia, with Colonel Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, warning that the coalition would take 'all necessary operational measures' to deter the rebel militia.