Saudi Arabia Accuses Houthi Rebels of Launching Attacks on Civilian and Economic Sites, Wounding 73 People

Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen’s Houthi rebels of launching attacks on civilian and economic sites in the kingdom, wounding at least 73 civilians, including women and children. The attacks targeted four south-western cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran. Major-General Turki al-Maliki, the spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, described the attacks as a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Saudi sovereignty. The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that the strikes hit several energy sector facilities and installations, causing fires and forcing a temporary halt in some operations. The Houthi military stated that the attacks were a retaliation for more than 100 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen over the past three days. The Houthi group also claimed that the Saudi military carried out an air strike on a prison in al-Hazm, killing at least seven people. In response to the escalation, the Saudi-led coalition vowed to take all necessary operational measures to confront the Houthi threat. Regional allies, including Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and a violation of sovereignty.

Sources

• Al Jazeera
  Saudi Arabia says 73 wounded as Houthis attack civilian and energy sites
• CNBC
  Brent crude oil near $98 after Iran's Houthi allies attack multiple Saudi energy facilities
• BBC
  Saudi Arabia vows to respond after Houthis attack cities and energy facilities
• CNN
  Scores wounded as Iran-backed Houthis attack Saudi Arabia in major regional escalation

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The New York Times
  Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation After Houthi Attacks Injure Dozens