Key Takeaways
- Attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities halted operations.
- 73 civilians, including women and children, were injured in the attacks.
- Saudi authorities condemned the attacks and vowed to take necessary measures.
Operations at some energy facilities in Saudi Arabia were halted on Tuesday following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which injured 73 people, according to Saudi authorities.
The attacks targeted southern cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, causing fires and injuries to emergency teams.
The Saudi energy ministry stated that the authorities were dealing with the repercussions of the attacks and that the needed measures would be taken to ensure the safety of the facilities and workers.
The Saudi foreign ministry strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a dangerous escalation and calling for an immediate halt to all forms of escalation by the Houthi militia.
The attacks came as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated, sending oil prices soaring. Brent crude futures rose to $98 per barrel, while US crude futures rose to $93.65 per barrel.
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, announced a broad operation deep into Saudi territory, stating that Riyadh had taken ‘escalatory steps’ by conducting airstrikes on Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition vowed to respond firmly to the latest outbreak of hostilities, saying the latest escalation against Saudi Arabia was ‘dangerous’ and that they would take all necessary operational measures to deter the Houthi militia.
Pakistan had condemned the Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia and warned of the right to self-defence if its maritime interests were targeted in any hostile act.
Saudi Arabia unveiled plans for a multinational maritime defence coalition to protect shipping in the region, amid ongoing tensions with the Houthi rebels.
