Houthis Attack Saudi Energy Facilities, Wounding Over 70

The six-month-old conflict in Iran has seen cycles of pauses and flare-ups. This began after the US and Israel launched attacks on 28 February aimed at ending Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The Houthi attacks followed Iran's warning about the vulnerability of energy infrastructure in the Gulf. This includes US oil and gas interests, especially after a series of attacks on ships in the Gulf last weekend.

These attacks pushed oil prices to over six-week highs. Fires broke out at some energy facilities, injuring several people. Emergency teams, including firefighters, responded quickly to contain the blazes, according to the Saudi energy ministry.

At least 73 people were injured in attacks on four southern Saudi Arabian cities, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported.

“The coalition will take all necessary operational measures to deter this terrorist militia and resolutely confront its hostile approach,” Colonel Turki al-Malki stated on X.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north, have been attacking Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. Their strikes have targeted vessels in the Red Sea.

Disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea have increased concerns about global oil and gas supplies. Iran continues to limit shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz, causing a slowdown in commodity vessel traffic this week.