RIYADH — Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis launched a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, firing dozens of missiles and drones at a military airbase in Khamis Mushait while digging into Red Sea coastal positions, Reuters reported Tuesday.
The group said it targeted aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said 13 civilians were wounded and vowed to respond “firmly” to protect the kingdom’s sovereignty, according to AFP. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait and three other southern cities.
Houthi advances in recent days, including the seizure of Perim Island at the mouth of the Red Sea, add pressure after last week’s attack knocked Saudi Arabia’s East–West pipeline offline — a route built to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Traders say a prolonged shutdown could remove as much as 4% of global oil supply while Hormuz remains largely blocked.
Three sources told Reuters Washington has so far resisted Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence support. Oman postponed Monday’s Gulf–Iran meeting on reopening Hormuz; oil prices rose before settling about 1% higher Monday.
Sources: Reuters, AFP via The Hindu
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