Saudi Arabia pledged a 'firm' response after Houthi missile and drone strikes wounded 13 civilians in the kingdom's south. Riyadh carried out more than 50 retaliatory strikes as tensions rose following the Houthi seizure of parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The assaults contributed to oil prices topping $100 per barrel and have driven roughly 93,864 people from their homes.
Saudi Arabia Vows 'Firm' Response After Large-Scale Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks
Saudi Arabia backs the government in Yemen while Iran supports the Houthis (-)
Saudi authorities warned on Tuesday they will respond 'firmly' after a series of Houthi ballistic missile and drone strikes in the kingdom's south wounded 13 civilians and caused fires in several cities.
What Happened
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it launched a new 'large-scale' operation using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones targeting sites including the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait. Residents reported intense blasts and prolonged fires; Saudi-led coalition forces confirmed attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif and reported 13 wounded.
Saudi Response
Riyadh said it struck back with more than 50 air raids, as reported by the Houthis and coalition statements, and pledged to take all necessary operational measures to protect the kingdom's sovereignty. In the early hours of Tuesday, civil defence authorities issued — then later lifted — air-raid alerts across six regions.
Wider Military and Humanitarian Impact
The Houthis last week seized stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic chokepoint for global shipping, in a significant setback for Yemen's internationally recognised government. The group has also claimed strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure, contributing to crude prices rising above $100 per barrel.
Military sources reported a Houthi attack in western Yemen that killed eight government soldiers. Yemeni government forces said they recaptured positions in Taiz province and conducted airstrikes that they said killed at least 10 fighters. The UN's migration agency said the renewed fighting has forced roughly 93,864 people to flee their homes.
Regional Diplomacy and Reactions
The violence comes amid a broader regional stalemate. A proposed meeting between Gulf states and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz was postponed, with Tehran accusing Riyadh of using events in Yemen as a pretext to delay talks. Tehran has long supported the Houthis with weapons and technology, though Iranian officials deny direct interference and describe the Houthis as independent actors.
US President Donald Trump said he was open to talks with Iran, while Iran's senior security figures countered that negotiations would not proceed until Iran's conditions are met.
What To Watch
Key developments to monitor include further Houthi strikes on Saudi targets, the scope and tempo of Saudi coalition reprisals, potential disruptions to Red Sea and Gulf shipping, oil market responses, and any resumption of Gulf-Iran diplomatic talks.
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