Saudi Arabia Lifts Alert in Khamis Mushait After Houthi Strikes

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense has lifted an alert in the southern city of Khamis Mushait, a day after Yemen's Houthi forces launched attacks that wounded 73 people across four cities and set oil installations ablaze.

The Tuesday strikes targeted an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby cities, marking one of the most significant attacks on Saudi territory since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in February. Saudi authorities did not explain why Wednesday's alert was issued or why it was lifted.

The incident reflects escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, raising concerns of a return to broader conflict after a U.N.-brokered truce in 2022 largely halted years of war. Saudi Arabia leads an Arab coalition backing Yemen's southern-based government, which was ousted from Sanaa by the Houthis 12 years ago.

The conflict has become part of the wider regional war, with the Houthis allied to Iran and Saudi Arabia aligned with the United States. In July, the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, prompting coalition strikes on what it called Houthi military facilities.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have recently launched a multi-pronged offensive against Houthi-held areas after the group attempted to advance on government positions. The government says it aims to recapture all Houthi-held territory.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported at least 21 deaths from Saudi strikes on Yemen's Al Jawf over the past two days, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed those strikes. Saudi Arabia has called the Houthi attacks a dangerous escalation, while the Houthis say their strikes respond to Saudi escalation in Yemen.