Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis launched a series of attacks against targets in southern Saudi Arabia, including energy facilities, military sites and other strategic locations, in a fresh escalation in regional tensions.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said several energy facilities and installations in the kingdom’s southern region were targeted, causing fires and temporarily halting some operations. Emergency teams were deployed to contain the fires and secure the affected sites.
Saudi authorities said the attacks targeted areas including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, with the Saudi-led coalition reporting that 73 people were injured.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they used drones and ballistic missiles against Saudi targets. The group said it had targeted Aramco facilities in Abha, Najran and Jizan, as well as a military airbase in Khamis Mushait.
The Houthis would also announce a broader military operation deep inside Saudi territory, raising the risk of further attacks against the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.
The escalation comes after renewed fighting in Yemen and follows reports of Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launching offensives against Houthi positions. The Houthis have said their latest attacks are retaliation for Saudi military actions in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and said it would take the necessary measures to defend its sovereignty. The Saudi-led coalition also vowed to respond firmly.
The developments are particularly significant for oil markets given Saudi Arabia’s role as the world’s largest oil exporter. The attacks come amid already elevated geopolitical risks in the Middle East, with oil prices approaching $100 a barrel as concerns over supply disruptions intensify.
WTI crude oil broke above the July high and it’s now trading at the highest level since June. The next target should be the swing high around the 97.00 handle, with a break above that level taking us to $100.
This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.