Saudi Arabia Vows to Defend Sovereignty as Houthi Attacks Continue

The conflict in the Middle East escalated significantly following a Houthi rebel attack on Saudi Arabia that left at least 73 people injured. The attack, which targeted several locations including Abha International Airport and facilities belonging to state-owned oil giant Aramco, has prompted Saudi leaders to vow that they 'will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty.' In response to the escalating tensions, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned US oil and gas companies that Tehran would launch fresh strikes on their assets in the region if attacked.

The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been waging a campaign against Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen since 2015. The recent attack has caused significant damage to several locations, including a prison near Sanaa, which was hit by airstrikes on Monday, killing 11 people and leaving 20 inmates missing under the rubble.

The conflict has also had a significant impact on global oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $99.31 per barrel in early European trading hours after posting a 2.38% gain. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the stability of the region's oil supplies and the potential for further conflicts in the area.

The United Nations' International Organisation for Migration has estimated that around 18,500 people have been displaced in the flashpoint governorates of Taiz and Hodeidah due to the ongoing conflict. The agency warned that the number is increasing by the hour as more residents are forced to flee their homes due to the escalating violence.