Houthis Launch Major Attack on Saudi Arabia, Global Oil Prices Surge

A major escalation of the Middle East war has occurred after Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthis attacked four cities in southern Saudi Arabia, wounding over 70 people and setting oil installations ablaze.

The attacks targeted a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait, as well as facilities belonging to Saudi Arabia's state oil company in Abha, Najran, and Jazan. Saudi authorities reported blazes at the sites and said women and children were among the injured.

This marks one of the largest attacks against Saudi Arabia since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in February. The Houthis have used drones and missiles to strike multiple targets, including oil installations that could disrupt Middle East energy supplies.

The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude rising more than 2% on Tuesday to above $99 a barrel.