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

Eleven individuals, including a young child, sustained injuries in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The coalition fighting the Yemeni terrorist group reported that seven of the wounded were Saudis, while the remaining individuals were from Yemen, Egypt, and Pakistan. Among the Saudis, a woman and a four-year-old child were among the casualties.

On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for striking Najran Airport, in retaliation for Saudi drone incursions over Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has not confirmed these allegations. On Thursday, the Houthis purportedly targeted Saudi troops in the border regions of Al Ruwayk, Al Abr, and Al Thaniyah using ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in hundreds of casualties and destruction of military assets.

Yemeni government sources, on the other hand, reported 30 of their troops killed in attacks on military camps in Marib and Hadramout provinces, with the death toll potentially rising. Saudi Arabia has recently targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq, where an official stated that the kingdom anticipates coordinated attacks from Iran-backed militias in Iraq with the Houthis, potentially targeting civilian and economic infrastructure.

The official noted that the attacks could be aimed at disrupting diplomatic negotiations, and that Saudi Arabia remains prepared for such assaults. On July 29, Saudi Arabia had struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq following alleged attacks on Saudi oil facilities, with the militias responding in kind. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are set to sign a joint defense agreement on Friday.