Saudi Arabia vows firm response after Houthi Strikes hit cities and energy facilities

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has vowed to take decisive measures after Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched a wave of attacks on several cities and energy facilities in the kingdom, sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East.

The attacks on Tuesday targeted parts of southern Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jazan, Najran and Khamis Mushait, according to Saudi authorities. Energy installations were among the sites hit, with fires reported at several locations.

Saudi officials said at least 73 people were injured, including women and children. Some energy operations were temporarily halted as emergency teams worked to contain the fires and assess the damage.

SAUDI ARABIA PROMISES ACTION

Saudi authorities described the attacks as a dangerous escalation and said all necessary operational measures would be taken to protect energy facilities, workers and the country’s infrastructure.

A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said the coalition would take measures to deter the group and confront what it described as hostile activity.

The Houthis, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they used missiles and drones against Saudi military and energy-related targets. The group presented the operation as retaliation for Saudi-backed military activity in Yemen.

ENERGY MARKETS REACT

The attacks have also raised fresh concerns about global energy supplies because Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest oil producers.

Oil prices climbed sharply following news of the strikes, with Brent crude approaching $98 per barrel on Tuesday. Prices moved even higher early Wednesday as investors assessed the possibility of prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Analysts warn that continued attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure could have consequences far beyond the region, particularly as shipping and oil supplies are already under pressure because of wider conflict around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

TENSIONS THREATEN TO SPREAD

The latest attacks come amid a broader escalation involving Iran, the United States and their regional allies.

The Houthis have increasingly become involved in the wider conflict, targeting Saudi Arabia and previously disrupting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Their renewed attacks risk reopening a much larger confrontation between the group and Saudi Arabia after years of relative calm following a 2022 ceasefire.

With Saudi Arabia now promising a firm response, concerns are growing that further military action could trigger another cycle of attacks across Yemen and the Gulf.

For now, attention remains focused on whether Saudi Arabia will launch retaliatory operations and whether the latest escalation will further disrupt regional energy supplies and global oil markets.