Saudi Arabia reported missile and drone strikes on its southern cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait and Jazan, after attacks the Saudi-led coalition says came from Yemen’s Houthi forces.
Reuters reported the coalition said the strikes involved ballistic missiles and drones and hit civilian and economic sites in southern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said the attacks wounded 73 people and caused fires at energy facilities and oil infrastructure, Reuters and the BBC reported.
The coalition’s spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said it would respond “responsibly” to protect Saudi sovereignty and national assets, according to Reuters.
Energy markets reacted to the strikes: Reuters noted oil prices rose amid supply concerns after recent attacks on Saudi energy sites and shipping in the region.
Fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces has escalated this month, reversing a 2022 truce and widening the regional conflict involving Iran and its allies, Reuters and the BBC say.
Why this matters
The strikes targeted cities that host military bases and energy infrastructure, raising risks to civilian safety and to oil operations in the kingdom, the reporting adds.
Analysts and officials warn that repeated attacks on Saudi facilities have already pushed crude prices higher and could disrupt regional energy flows if they continue, Reuters reported.
For background on market moves linked to attacks on Saudi sites, see Oil prices rise about 3% and for wider regional context see Iran war widens to new fronts.
Sources
- Reuters — reported the locations struck, that ballistic missiles and drones were used, the 73 injured figure, and quoted Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki.
- BBC — corroborated the cities hit and the number of injured and noted fires at oil facilities.
- Al Jazeera — provided additional reporting on the injuries and the scope of the strikes.
