India has condemned the latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly strikes targeting civilian and economic infrastructure. New Delhi said such attacks are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to regional peace, security and stability. The statement came after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group launched missile and drone attacks on several locations in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Saudi authorities said 73 civilians, including women and children, were injured.
Houthi Attacks Target Saudi Energy Infrastructure
The attacks hit several areas, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Saudi authorities reported fires at energy facilities, while operations at some sites were temporarily halted. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the strikes and said it targeted Saudi military and energy-related facilities. Saudi officials described the attacks as a dangerous escalation.
Saudi Aramco Facilities Hit in Southern Saudi Arabia
Saudi oil giant Aramco was among the targets reported in the attacks. Facilities in Abha and Jazan were affected, while the Houthis also claimed strikes on Abha International Airport and a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait. Jazan is home to a major refinery with a capacity of around 400,000 barrels per day. The facility has already faced attacks in recent weeks.
Saudi Arabia Vows Response to Houthi Strikes
Saudi authorities have strongly condemned the attacks and said they will take measures to protect the country’s territory and infrastructure. The Saudi-led coalition said it would take “all necessary operational measures” to deter the Houthis and confront the threat. Saudi officials have also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its sovereignty and citizens.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said emergency teams were deployed to control fires, secure affected facilities and assess the damage. “The needed measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the facilities and workers and the continuation of work according to the approved operational plans,” the ministry said.
Houthi Attacks Raise Global Oil Market Concerns
The latest strikes have increased concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and the wider global oil supply. Brent crude rose around 1.7% to $98.63 a barrel on Tuesday as markets reacted to the attacks and wider Middle East tensions. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter, making any disruption to its energy facilities significant for global markets.
Why Are Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Escalating?
The latest strikes come amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. The conflict had been relatively calmer following a 2022 ceasefire, but tensions have increased again. The Houthis have also targeted Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, raising concerns about the security of a major international trade route.
India Calls for Regional Peace and Stability
India’s condemnation comes as the latest attacks threaten to widen instability across West Asia. New Delhi has consistently opposed attacks on civilian infrastructure and stressed the importance of protecting regional peace and stability. The European Union has also condemned the latest Houthi attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation and warning of their impact on regional security.
The latest Saudi strikes have therefore added another major flashpoint to an already volatile Middle East, with concerns growing over energy security, shipping routes and the possibility of further regional escalation.
