Houthis Claim Fresh Missile and Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed fresh missile and drone attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions along the Red Sea coast. The Houthis' military spokesperson, Brig Gen Yahya Saree, said that missiles and drones targeted a military base in Sharurah province's Najran region. However, no evidence was provided to confirm the date of the attack.

Saudi authorities confirmed that a projectile landed in al-Tawwal governorate near the Yemeni border, injuring two people and damaging several buildings. The Houthis have been targeting Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping as part of their recently declared blockade. Despite the rebels' claims that commercial shipping outside their targets is not under threat, markets remain cautious, and oil prices have risen again amid concerns over the widening conflict.

Yemen's government has vowed to fight back against the Houthi advance, with a senior member of the ruling presidential council stating that forces are regrouping and will return to the battle. The collapse of government forces in key cities along Yemen's western coast has been described as 'painful and regrettable' by Sultan al-Arada, governor of Marib province.