Saudi Arabia says it 'will not hesitate' to defend itself after Houthi attacks wound dozens

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has declared that the kingdom will not hesitate to defend itself after Houthi rebels attacked civilian and economic sites in four Saudi cities, resulting in injuries to dozens of civilians, including women and children. The Saudi-led coalition reported that at least 73 civilians were wounded in the recent escalation by the Iran-aligned militia.

The attacks targeted energy sector sites, causing fires, halting operations, and leaving the kingdom in a state of heightened alert. Prince Faisal described the attacks as part of a series of provocations by the Houthis and warned that the kingdom will defend its interests and uphold peace through diplomatic means. The attacks have led to rising oil prices, with Brent crude nearing $100 a barrel, as energy shipments remain restricted due to the ongoing war in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia's Gulf Arab neighbors, including Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, have condemned the attacks, with the UAE stating that they constitute a "flagrant violation of Saudi sovereign territory." The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that the escalating hostilities risk further expanding the conflict, potentially leading to more deaths, injuries, population displacement, and a catastrophic disruption of essential services and infrastructure.