Houthis Escalate Oil Facility Attacks, Sparking Retaliatory Strikes by Saudi Arabia

The conflict in Yemen escalated on Tuesday as the Houthi rebels reported Saudi reprisals after their attacks on oil facilities left dozens wounded.

The Houthis launched a campaign to control the Bab al-Mandab chokepoint, an important route for Saudi oil exports, last Thursday. The group claimed responsibility for attacking Abha International Airport and King Khalid air base in Saudi Arabia's southern region of Jizan.

Saudi officials reported that several energy sector facilities were targeted by the Houthis, causing fires and temporarily halting operations at some locations. At least 73 people were injured in the attacks.

Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to the Houthi attacks and maintain its security interests in Yemen. Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that while the door to diplomacy remains open, Saudi Arabia will defend itself against any threats.