Saudi Arabia vows to respond after Houthis attack cities and energy facilities

What the report says

Saudi Arabia says it will respond after Houthi forces in Yemen launched drone and missile strikes on cities and energy facilities in the kingdom, injuring 73 people and triggering fires at oil-related sites. The BBC reported that the attacks hit four south-western cities — Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran — and briefly disrupted operations at some energy installations.

Saudi military and energy officials said the strikes targeted civilian and economic infrastructure. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen described the assault as a dangerous escalation and said it would take operational steps to deter the group. According to the report, women and children were among those hurt, and the energy ministry said some facilities were set on fire before operations were temporarily halted.

The Houthis said the attacks were retaliation for recent Saudi air strikes on areas they control in north-western Yemen. Their military spokesman accused Saudi Arabia of repeated bombardment and said the group had responded with missiles and drones. The BBC noted that the conflict has intensified as an informal ceasefire has weakened and fighting has increased along Yemen’s south-western coast.

The dispute matters because it adds to fears of wider regional instability and risks to energy supplies, especially with Saudi oil routes and Red Sea shipping under pressure amid the broader Yemen war.