Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia wounds 11, including a child; kingdom warns of escalation

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have resulted in 11 injuries, including a child and several foreign nationals, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi group reported that among the wounded were seven Saudis, one Yemeni, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani.

Saudi Arabia has issued a warning of potential escalation, anticipating coordinated attacks from Iran-backed militias in Iraq alongside the Houthis. A Saudi official indicated that intelligence suggests these attacks could target civilian and economic sites, including energy infrastructure, ports, and airports. This warning comes as Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and other countries have observed drone and missile movements, suggesting an attempt to derail diplomatic negotiations.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for strikes on Najran Airport on Tuesday, citing Saudi drone incursions over Yemen. They also claimed on Thursday to have attacked Saudi troops in border areas with ballistic missiles and drones, reporting hundreds of Saudi-aligned fighters killed or wounded and the destruction of military camps and equipment. However, Yemeni government sources reported 30 of their troops killed in attacks within Yemen.

This escalation follows recent Saudi airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The militias had vowed retaliation, and Saudi Arabia is also expected to sign a joint defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. The Saudi official stated that the kingdom remains prepared for potential strikes.