Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks on its territory

Saudi Arabia has vowed to take "necessary measures" in response to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which struck civilian and energy sites in the kingdom, injuring at least 73 people. The attacks occurred on September 8, according to multiple reports, with the Saudi-led coalition condemning the strikes as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Saudi sovereignty. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that the Houthi group's actions constitute a "blatant violation" of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and pose a "direct threat" to the security and safety of its citizens and residents. He emphasized that the coalition would take "necessary operational measures" to deter the Houthi group and respond to the sources of the threat. The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed that several energy facilities and installations in the southern part of the kingdom were targeted early on September 8. These attacks caused fires at multiple locations, leading to a temporary halt in some operations and injuries to both civilians and workers. The ministry did not provide specific numbers of casualties beyond stating that 73 individuals were injured, including women and children. In a separate statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, as well as the group’s ongoing targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territory, and national interests while urging an "immediate halt to all forms of escalation" by the Houthi group. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks, describing them as a "qualitative and wide-ranging military operation" conducted using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. According to Houthi statements, these attacks were in response to more than 120 Saudi airstrikes on Yemen over the past three days. The group also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an airstrike on a prison in Al-Hazm, northern Jawf province, which reportedly killed 11 people and left 20 others missing. The escalation comes amid renewed hostilities in Yemen, where the internationally recognized government has launched a counteroffensive to reclaim territory from the Houthi rebels. Fighting has intensified along the Red Sea coast, particularly in efforts by the Houthi group to gain control of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. This waterway serves as a critical passage for global trade and has become increasingly vital for Saudi oil exports due to the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the United States. Recent developments indicate that the conflict in Yemen has entered a new phase, marked by increased violence and a breakdown of a previously existing ceasefire. The Houthi group controls approximately one-third of Yemen’s territory, including many densely populated areas, and seeks to expand its influence by capturing key regions along the Red Sea. Their attacks on oil infrastructure and Saudi tankers have contributed to rising oil prices, which surged toward $100 a barrel on September 8. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, expressed openness to diplomatic solutions while emphasizing the kingdom’s readiness to defend itself against any threats. The situation continues to evolve, with potential for further escalation as both sides engage in military operations aimed at securing strategic advantages in the region.