Houthis Attack Saudi Cities as Fighting Escalates

Iran-aligned Houthi forces attacked the Saudi Arabian cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif with missiles and drones, injuring 13 civilians and damaging seven homes and two vehicles, according to Saudi military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki.

Houthi forces have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia amid renewed fighting with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

The attacks came amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen.

On Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi military base in the Sharurah region near the Yemeni border.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had used a “barrage of ballistic missiles and drones” against weapons depots and command-and-control facilities.

The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for other recent attacks on Saudi territory. CBS News reported that the group acknowledged targeting a Saudi military base in Khamis Mushait.

The Houthis have made significant territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the capture of Perim Island, also known as Mayun Island, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemeni government sources told CNN that the group had taken control of the island, which provides a strategic position overlooking maritime traffic through the strait.

The Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important shipping route between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.

The Houthi advance has increased concerns over the security of Saudi oil shipments and international shipping.

The Houthis also claimed that Saudi forces had conducted numerous airstrikes in Houthi-held areas of Yemen. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has continued military operations against the group.

Reports have also indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought US support as the Houthi offensive has intensified.

Reuters reported that the United States has so far provided intelligence assistance while stopping short of direct military intervention.