Thirteen civilians were injured after missile and drone attacks reportedly targeted the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. The attacks allegedly caused damage to seven residential buildings and two vehicles, according to information shared by Gulf media outlets.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s constitutional government, said the Houthis had targeted civilian areas with ballistic missiles and drones. He stated that the injured civilians suffered minor to moderate injuries.
Al-Malki described the damage to homes and vehicles as evidence of continued attacks against populated areas and civilian infrastructure. He said such attacks posed a direct threat to residents and increased security concerns in the region.
The coalition spokesperson warned that Saudi Arabia would take a firm and effective response to protect its sovereignty, civilians and civilian facilities. He said any response would be carried out under the right to self-defence provided by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Al-Malki also stated that any military action would be conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law. He added that the coalition would take all necessary measures to prevent further attacks and counter actions by the Houthis.
The latest incident comes amid renewed tensions involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The wider regional conflict has also increased security concerns around the Red Sea and the Gulf region. Attacks on populated areas have raised fears of further escalation and additional risks to civilian life.
In a separate development, an oil tanker reportedly struck a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a major fire onboard. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the incident took place in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities said the tanker was attempting to pass through a restricted maritime area when it reportedly hit the mine.
Iranian news agency Fars, citing the IRGC Navy, identified the vessel as Algaya. The IRGC said efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful and that the flames eventually spread across the entire tanker.
Iranian authorities stated that warnings had already been issued about the risks associated with using the maritime route. They also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian supervision and control.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for international energy shipments. A large share of global oil transportation passes through the waterway, making any incident involving an oil tanker a potential concern for energy markets and global trade.
The two incidents reflect the continuing security challenges facing the region. While the Saudi attacks have raised concerns about civilian safety, the tanker fire has highlighted the risks facing commercial shipping in a strategically important maritime corridor.
Also read: Pakistan Warns Saudi Attacks Could Trigger Makkah Pact
