Saudi Oil Facilities Hit by Houthi Attacks

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have ignited fires at several oil facilities and wounded dozens of people, escalating tensions in the region. The attacks, which occurred early Tuesday, mark a major escalation in the conflict between an important US ally and the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen.

The Houthi group targeted 'civilian and economic facilities' in the Saudi cities of Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait, according to Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

The attacks have raised concerns about further instability in the region, which has been scarred by nearly three years of wars. The flare-up also threatens to squeeze shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical route for oil and global trade.