Yemen Houthis strike Saudi oil facilities

Yemen’s Houthis confirmed launching drone and missile attacks in Saudi Arabia. The group targeted southern cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran, and Jizan. Strikes hit oil installations of Aramco, the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, and King Khalid Air Base. Saudi authorities reported over seventy wounded, including women and children, and fires at energy facilities, temporarily halting some operations. These attacks also contributed to a rise in global oil prices, with Brent crude nearing one hundred dollars a barrel.The Houthis stated these attacks responded to escalated Saudi military operations in Yemen. They vowed to continue strikes, threatening "stronger and wider operations" if military actions against Yemen persist.Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation, affirming its right to defend its sovereignty and protect its population. The Saudi-led coalition pledged a firm response.This surge marks a significant expansion of Yemen's decade-long conflict, following a broken ceasefire. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg expressed profound concern over escalating violence, describing developments as "extremely alarming." He warned that a return to large-scale fighting would have severe consequences for civilians and hinder a political settlement.Millions of Yemenis face dire humanitarian conditions, with nearly twenty-two million requiring assistance. Food insecurity, economic collapse, and disrupted education underscore catastrophic daily realities. The international community called for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts for lasting peace.