Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles at Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Tensions

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia in response to airstrikes on the strategic Red Sea city of Hodeida, escalating tensions over shipping routes in the Middle East. According to Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis' military spokesperson, the attack targeted facilities in Yanbu and Jizan belonging to Aramco, the world's largest oil company.

The Saudi civil defense said alerts sounded multiple times early Saturday in both cities, but the kingdom did not comment further on the strikes. The Houthis have threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping in retaliation for the kingdom's blockade on Yemen and a recent attack on the international airport in Sanaa.

The strait is a vital shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, with around 12% of the world's trade passing through its narrows. The Houthis have been at odds with Saudi Arabia over control of key ports and infrastructure in Yemen, which has led to increased tensions in the region.