Arabic version: تصاعد القتال بين السعودية والحوثيين في أنحاء اليمن

According to Al Jazeera, Houthi attacks in southern Saudi Arabia wounded at least 73 people as fighting intensified between the Iran-aligned group and pro-Saudi forces in Yemen. Saudi authorities said energy-sector facilities and installations were targeted, with fires reported at oil installations and utility sites in southern provinces.

The Houthis said they struck Saudi Aramco energy sites using drones and ballistic missiles, describing the operation as retaliation for Saudi attacks on Houthi-controlled areas. Saudi coalition spokesman Major-General Turki al-Malki said the attacks hit Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran. Saudi Arabia said it would respond firmly, while Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud said diplomacy remained possible but the kingdom would defend itself.

In Yemen, the internationally recognised, Riyadh-backed government said it had launched counteroffensives across several provinces. Government-aligned forces reported a push towards the al-Labanat mountains in al-Jawf, advances towards Dhi Na’im in al-Bayda, and air attacks on Houthi positions west of Taiz. The Houthis said they repelled the al-Labanat advance and inflicted casualties. Al Jazeera said it could not independently verify battlefield claims from either side.

The escalation is the most serious since a United Nations-brokered truce halted large-scale fighting in 2022. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait has become a central focus as the Houthis seek to advance towards the Red Sea route and government forces pursue their stated goal of retaking Sanaa. The World Health Organization said at least 728 people had been killed or wounded in Yemen since August 23, while an estimated 21,000 people, or roughly 3,000 families, had been displaced from Taiz alone since Thursday.