Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles at Saudi Arabia in Response to Airstrikes on Hodeida
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia in response to airstrikes on the Red Sea city of Hodeida.
The attack targeted facilities in the Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan that belong to Aramco, the world's largest oil company, said Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis' military spokesperson.
Saudi Arabia's civil defense reported multiple alerts sounding early Saturday in both cities, but the kingdom did not comment further.
The escalation comes as the United States and Iran vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that passes through the Red Sea.
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.