Houthi Strikes on Saudi Cities Wound Dozens as US Hits Iranian Tankers
Houthi attacks on Saudi cities wound over 70 and set oil sites ablaze, as US strikes Iranian tankers, escalating the Gulf war.
Yemen's Houthi movement, backed by Iran, launched a major assault on Tuesday, striking targets in four cities across southern Saudi Arabia. The attacks, which involved drones and missiles, wounded more than 70 people and set oil installations on fire, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict that began six months ago.
Saudi authorities confirmed blazes at several sites, with women and children among the casualties. The Houthis said they targeted a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait and state oil company assets in Abha, Najran, and Jazan. NASA satellite imagery showed thick black smoke over the Jazan refinery and a column of white smoke rising from an oil distribution centre in Abha.
In a parallel development, a U.S. official confirmed that American forces struck multiple Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This came in response to Iranian attempts to hit a U.S. Navy warship, resuming U.S. attacks on Iran after a two-day pause. Iranian media reported that a U.S. missile struck a tanker near Kharg Island and another near Jask on the Gulf of Oman.
The IRGC has threatened to target oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, warning crews to evacuate. The renewed hostilities have driven global oil prices to their highest levels since late July, as markets react to the potential disruption of Middle East energy supplies.
The attacks come after a month of relative calm in August. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated areas, accused Riyadh of escalating the war through airstrikes on Yemen. Saudi-backed government forces have recently launched an offensive against Houthi-held territory, aiming to recapture all areas lost over the past decade.
The wider conflict has become a test of wills between the U.S. and Iran. Washington is attempting to increase the flow of oil to world markets while enforcing a blockade on Iranian exports. Tehran has announced plans for a "maritime exclusion zone" extending from the U.S. blockade perimeter through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Gulf.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have captured a U.S. submersible near the strait, though a U.S. official said an underwater military drone had malfunctioned and did not carry classified equipment. Despite U.S. strikes degrading Iran's conventional forces, its missiles and drones remain capable of reaching U.S. bases and ships in the region.