Saudi Arabia launches airstrikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes and artillery fire against Houthi strongholds in the Saada province of northern Yemen. According to Houthi-aligned media, strikes targeted the Sahar and Bakim areas, while artillery fire was reported in the Monabich border region.

In response to the escalating conflict, Saudi civil defense issued brief alerts for potential attacks in the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait near the Yemeni border. This follows recent Houthi actions, including a drone and missile attack on the Sarura military base in southern Saudi Arabia, which Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated was aimed at “weapon depots and command and control centers.”

The regional tension has intensified as Houthi forces recently secured control over Yemen’s Red Sea coast, establishing a presence at the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical maritime route for Saudi oil exports. Previously, a Houthi projectile hitting the Jizan region resulted in two injuries.