Houthis Expand War into Saudi Arabia with Major Strikes

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a significant expansion of the Middle East war, striking four cities in Saudi Arabia and wounding over 70 people. The attacks reportedly involved dozens of drones and missiles targeting oil facilities in the country's south.

Saudi Arabia has vowed to retaliate against the Houthi strikes, which also damaged an Aramco facility at Jizan. The kingdom's foreign ministry demanded a halt to the Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Maj Gen Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, said pro-government forces would take all necessary measures to deter the Houthi militia. The Houthis have been embroiled in a long-running conflict with Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen.

The attacks have added a new dimension to the war, which had calmed down in recent years but has now escalated again. Brent crude prices rose by over 2% following the attacks, hitting $99 a barrel.