Riyadh: At least 73 civilians were injured following attacks by Yemen's Houthi group targeting cities and economic infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia, the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen reported on Tuesday. The strikes hit locations in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, prompting a strong response from Saudi authorities.
According to Anadolu Agency, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and highlighted the threat they pose to civilians and international maritime navigation. The ministry described the Houthis' actions as hostile and criminal, emphasizing that they undermine regional stability and peace efforts. In response, Saudi Arabia affirmed its right to defend its sovereignty and protect the security of its citizens.
The Saudi Energy Ministry reported fires at energy facilities in the southern region due to the attacks, leading to temporary operational halts. Specialized teams have since worked to contain the fires and secure the affected sites. The Saudi-led coalition labeled the attacks a significant escalation and pledged to take necessary measures to neutralize the threats.
In a related development, the Yemeni army announced its readiness to support Saudi Arabia, expressing willingness to coordinate efforts to eliminate threats and maintain regional stability. The Yemeni government forces have recently made battlefield gains, which has contributed to fears of renewed full-scale conflict in a country that has endured nearly 12 years of war.
In a statement from the Houthi side, military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed the attacks on Saudi Arabia, claiming precision and extensive damage to the targeted facilities. He justified the operation as a response to Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and vowed to continue striking targets within Saudi territory.
International reactions include condemnation from Pakistan and Russia. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeled the attacks as counterproductive, advocating for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.