Houthi Attacks Injure 73 Civilians in Southern Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Sep 8: Houthi attacks targeting several cities in southern Saudi Arabia have injured 73 civilians, including women and children, according to the spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki.

Al-Maliki described the latest escalation and attempts to target Saudi territory, national assets and infrastructure as “dangerous,” saying the attacks demonstrated what he called the Houthis’ hostile and irresponsible approach.

He said the latest attacks targeted civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, resulting in injuries to 73 civilians. He accused the Houthi militia of deliberately targeting civilian facilities and national infrastructure, describing the attacks as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety of citizens and residents.

Al-Maliki said the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command would take all necessary operational measures to deter the Houthis and confront their hostile activities. He added that the command would respond to the sources of the threat and take measures to neutralize the danger posed to the Kingdom.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy separately said several energy-sector facilities and infrastructure in the Kingdom’s southern region had been targeted. The attacks caused fires and temporarily disrupted some operations, the ministry said, adding that the relevant authorities had begun dealing with the affected facilities and taking the necessary measures.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and stressed that the Kingdom would not tolerate attacks targeting its territory or resources. It said Saudi Arabia reserves its legitimate right to take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security.

The ministry also called on the Houthi militia to end all forms of escalation and threats to maritime security, while warning against attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.