Yemen Conflict Escalates as Saudi-Backed Forces Launch Airstrikes
The conflict in the Middle East escalated further as Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed that Saudi-backed forces launched dozens of airstrikes across four Yemeni provinces overnight. The strikes come after Houthi attacks on several oil facilities and utilities in Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people, marking a major escalation in the renewed conflict between an important US ally and the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen.
The Houthis said that the airstrikes targeted areas in Taiz, Hodeida, Jawf, and Marib provinces. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. This development follows weeks of intensifying clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, which shattered a four-year truce in the country's civil war.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed that Iranian forces struck several oil tankers and two US vessels in retaliation for US strikes on five Iranian tankers on Tuesday. However, the US Central Command disputed this claim, stating that all attempted attacks failed.