Houthi Attacks Wound 73 in Saudi Arabia, Sparking Retaliation

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense lifted an alert in Khamis Mushait on Wednesday, a day after Houthi attacks there and in three other nearby cities wounded 73 people and set oil installations ablaze.

Yemen's Houthi rebels reported dozens of Saudi airstrikes on Wednesday, with more than 40 attacks targeting regions including Taiz and Hodeida. The Houthis struck an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby cities on Tuesday, marking one of the biggest attacks in Saudi Arabia since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in February.

Oil prices rose Tuesday, with Brent crude futures reaching $98.13 a barrel and touching $99 per barrel. Saudi Arabia promised to retaliate against the Houthis after the rebel group wounded at least 73 Saudi civilians in airstrikes. Saudi Foreign Minister stated the Kingdom will not hesitate to defend against Houthi attacks. Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Houthi attack on September 8, reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia and calling on the Houthis to cease aggressive acts.

Pakistan pledged to honor its security pact if Saudi Arabia is attacked. India also condemned the Houthi attacks, stating they undermined regional security. Fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated in recent months, raising fears of a return to broader conflict after a U.N.-brokered truce in 2022. Over 500 people died since Houthis launched a major offensive last week to seize territory around the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, citing the group's health ministry, said at least 21 people died in Saudi strikes on Yemen's Al Jawf over the past two days, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed these strikes.