The Houthi movement launched a ballistic missile and a drone assault on the Saudi towns of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Jazan on Wednesday, local time, the Saudi‑led coalition said.
Turki Al‑Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, posted on X that the attacks targeted national assets and critical infrastructure, describing the Houthi approach as extremist and aimed at civilian sites. He added that the Joint Forces Command would act to safeguard the kingdom's sovereignty, assets, civilians and civilian objects.
The strikes came amid a rapid escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Earlier the same day, the Houthi side claimed that dozens of Saudi airstrikes had hit areas under its control within the previous twelve hours.
Cross‑border hostilities are unfolding alongside intensified fighting inside Yemen, where government forces and the Houthis are battling on multiple fronts, especially in the western provinces. Analysts warn that the flare‑up could end the relative calm that followed the UN‑brokered truce of April 2022.
On Tuesday, the United Nations condemned the cross‑border attacks on several sites in southern Saudi Arabia, noting damage to civilian and energy infrastructure. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed deep concern over reported civilian casualties.
The UN also highlighted the worsening clashes across Yemen’s frontlines, stressing the risk of further civilian harm. Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg continues direct talks with the parties to contain the escalation and keep space for dialogue, warning that continued military action could have severe political, economic and security consequences for Yemen.
Humanitarian agencies echo the alarm. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 5,600 households have been displaced in Taiz and southern Al Hodeidah since the fighting intensified on Thursday. In the past week, at least 11 civilians have been killed or injured, including two children, underscoring the growing human cost of the conflict.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf