Saudi Arabia and Houthi Rebels Engage in Fresh Wave of Attacks Amid Middle East Tensions
Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels are locked in a fresh wave of attacks, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict began after the Houthis targeted Saudi energy infrastructure, prompting Riyadh to launch strikes against Houthi military targets.
The US, caught in the middle, appears to have halted its own strikes against Iran following 13 days of mutual attacks. However, the situation remains precarious, with both sides vowing to escalate their actions if necessary.
Saudi Arabia's Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen stated that it had carried out a proportionate military response against legitimate Houthi militia targets in Hodeidah Governorate. The coalition stressed that the operation targeted only military sites used by the Houthis to threaten commercial vessels and emphasized that customary international humanitarian law was followed.
The Houthi rebels, however, claimed to have attacked Saudi state oil company Aramco's facilities in Jizan and Yanbu on the Red Sea coast using ballistic missiles and drones. The group warned of further escalation, stating 'We will not hesitate to expand our movements and escalate our steps based on the developments of the situation in the coming hours and days.'