Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Mark Major Escalation in Middle East War

Yemen’s Houthi movement launched a wide ranging attack on southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding more than 70 people and igniting fires at oil facilities in one of the largest assaults on the kingdom since the US-Israel war against Iran began. Drones and missiles struck a military airbase in Khamis Mushait along with oil infrastructure sites in Abha, Najran and the Red Sea port city of Jazan. Saudi officials said women and children were among the injured.

Region Braces for Wider Fallout

The attack follows a period of relative calm in August, with fighting between Iran and the US resuming and pushing Brent crude above $99 a barrel. Analysts warn the strikes could deepen disruption to Middle East energy supplies beyond existing bottlenecks at the Strait of Hormuz. More than 18,500 people have reportedly fled fighting along Yemen’s coast in recent days.

Tensions Escalate Between Washington and Tehran

Saudi-led coalition officials vowed a strong response, while Houthi leaders accused Riyadh of escalating the conflict through retaliatory airstrikes. Iran has announced plans for a new maritime exclusion zone near the Persian Gulf, as diesel prices in the US hit record highs. President Trump said energy prices would fall sharply once the conflict with Iran concludes.