A Saudi-led coalition spokesperson says Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, including women and children, and ignited fires at oil facilities amid renewed fighting in Yemen.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- A Saudi-led coalition spokesperson says Houthi attacks wounded 73 civilians, including women and children.
- Targeted areas include Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, according to Al Jazeera.
- The attacks ignited fires at oil facilities, NPR reported.
- The strikes follow weeks of escalating clashes that shattered a four-year truce in Yemen's civil war.
A wave of Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia has wounded 73 civilians, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said, according to reporting by Al Jazeera and NPR.
The spokesperson said the Houthis targeted civilian sites in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, according to Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia said those injured included women and children.
NPR reported that the attacks also ignited fires at oil facilities, in addition to the civilian casualties.
The strikes come after weeks of escalating clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, according to NPR. Those clashes shattered a four-year truce in the country’s civil war.
Details on the extent of the damage to the oil facilities and the condition of the wounded were not provided in the available reports. The figures cited come from Saudi officials and the coalition spokesperson.
Why it matters
The reported casualties and renewed strikes signal a sharp escalation after years of relative calm in Yemen's civil war, raising fears of a wider conflict. Attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia can also carry implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were injured in the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia?
A Saudi-led coalition spokesperson said 73 civilians were wounded, including women and children, according to Al Jazeera and NPR.
Which areas were targeted?
According to Al Jazeera, the Houthis targeted civilian sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran in southern Saudi Arabia.
Why are the attacks happening now?
NPR reported that the attacks follow weeks of escalating clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, which shattered a four-year truce in the country's civil war.
Timeline
- Fighting escalates in Yemen; Houthi attacks trigger alerts in Saudi Arabia
Al Jazeera: Yemen's government accuses Houthis of killing three children as rebels claim Saudi forces launched 54 air raids in 12 hours.
- Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate defence pact, Pakistan says
Al Jazeera: Pakistan warns Mecca defence agreement may be activated if Yemen's Houthi rebels continue targeting Saudi Arabia.
- Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people
NPR News: The attacks come after weeks of escalating clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, which shattered a four-year truce in the country's civil war.
- Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia reportedly injure dozens
Al Jazeera: Saudi Arabia says a wave of Houthi attacks on the country’s south have injured 73 people, including women and children.
- Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians, official says
Al Jazeera: Spokesperson for Saudi-led coalition says Houthis have targeted civilian sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.