Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Infrastructure After Deadly Yemen Strikes
Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia following airstrikes in Yemen that killed over 50 civilians in Taiz and Sanaa.
Violence between Iran-backed Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed government of Yemen escalated over the weekend, leaving more than 50 people dead. The surge began Friday with a strike on the al-Hadara market in Taiz province that killed at least 30 civilians. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting the airstrikes, while the Yemeni government and its Ministry of Human Rights claimed the rebels shelled the market with ballistic missiles to distract from military setbacks.
On Saturday, further airstrikes hit the village of al-Shariya and the town of Bani Hushaysh near Sanaa. Houthi officials reported between 27 and 33 deaths, primarily women and children, and alleged that Saudi warplanes targeted paramedics and residential homes. The Saudi Center for International Communication stated it is investigating these reports, while the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Houthi cruise missile aimed at Riyadh.
In retaliation, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced six operations using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against Saudi infrastructure. Targets included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, oil facilities in Riyadh and Khurais, Pumping Station No. 8 in Dawadmi, and a National Guard camp in Najran.
This escalation follows the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire and the launch of Operation Dawn of Yemen by the internationally recognized government to reclaim Houthi-held territories. The United Nations and World Health Organization have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe, reporting nearly 1,800 deaths and over 300,000 displacements since August.
