Houthi drone and missile strikes on southern Saudi cities wounded 13 civilians, officials said. Saudi civil defence issued alerts in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jeddah and Al-Ula while Houthi media described the raids as a 'major operation.' Both sides reported strikes—Houthi outlets said Saudi air raids hit Taiz and Marib—and the UN estimates about 125,000 people have been displaced since the recent escalation.
Houthi Drone and Missile Strikes Wound 13 Civilians in Southern Saudi Arabia — UN Says 125,000 Displaced
FILE PHOTO - Colonel Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition forces against Houthi forces, addresses a news conference, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 21 May 2018. (is associated with: «Fresh Houthi attacks injure 13 civilians in Saudi Arabia») ---/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
Officials said on Tuesday that fresh Houthi drone and missile attacks on southern Saudi Arabia wounded 13 civilians and prompted multiple civil-defence alerts across the kingdom.
Attacks and Warnings
Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government, said the Iran-backed Houthi militia struck Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif using drones and missiles. Saudi civil defence issued alerts for Abha and Khamis Mushait and temporarily activated warnings for the Red Sea city of Jeddah and the northern town of Al-Ula. Authorities initially reported no further details on the extent of damage.
Claims and Counterclaims
Houthi-owned Al-Masirah television described the incident as one of the kingdom's "most difficult nights," calling the operation a "major" incursion that has caused "growing panic". The militia also said Saudi forces launched fresh airstrikes inside Yemen.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the Saudi Air Force carried out more than 50 airstrikes in Taiz and Marib provinces within 24 hours.
The militia-controlled SABA news agency reported that three people were killed and two injured in Saudi airstrikes. Yemen's internationally recognised government said it continued strikes on Houthi targets and released footage showing artillery and drone attacks.
Humanitarian Impact
The United Nations estimates that roughly 125,000 people have been displaced since fighting flared at the start of the month, adding to the growing humanitarian toll in the region.
What We Know
- 13 civilians wounded in southern Saudi cities following Houthi drone and missile attacks.
- Civil-defence warnings were issued in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jeddah and Al-Ula.
- Both the Houthis and Yemen's government report recent strikes; independent verification of all claims is limited.
- UN estimates indicate large-scale displacement amid renewed fighting.
Note: Reporting on the ground is constrained by the conflict and competing official narratives. All casualty and strike claims are from the parties involved or their affiliated outlets.
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