Houthi Rebels Launch Wave of Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities

The Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding at least 73 people and igniting fires at oil facilities and utilities.

The attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities in the cities of Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait, according to Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

The Houthi rebels have been backed by Iran, and the attacks are seen as a major escalation in the conflict between the two countries.

The attacks also hit oil facilities connected to the Bab el-Mandeb, a strategic waterway off the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf Aden.