Houthis attack Saudi Arabia after Pakistan delivers Riyadh warning to Iran

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued emergency instructions on Thursday as Houthi missile and drone assaults escalated. In a tweet, the Civil Defence advised citizens to remain composed and heed official orders. Despite Saudi Arabia having conveyed a stern message to Tehran via Pakistan to rein in the Houthis, aggression from the Iran-backed militia persisted.

On Wednesday, the Houthi militia launched "ballistic missiles and drones" at Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan, according to Maj Gen Turki Al Malki, a coalition spokesman backing Yemen's recognized government. The coalition reported that at least 73 civilians were injured in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran due to Houthi attacks.

In response, Saudi Arabia carried out 54 air strikes across Yemen, with the Houthis claiming responsibility. Maj Gen Al Malki affirmed that the coalition would respond responsibly to safeguard the kingdom's sovereignty, national assets, and civilians, aligning with self-defense principles under international law. The warning to Tehran was relayed by Pakistan on Tuesday to curb the Houthis, according to Reuters citing Saudi, Pakistani, and Iranian sources.

Pakistan, bound by a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, treats an attack on one nation as an attack on all three. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Islamabad is currently seeking a diplomatic resolution, but emphasized that "unprovoked aggression or spillover into Saudi Arabia will definitely activate this agreement."

An Iranian official confirmed the transmission of Saudi Arabia's message but asserted that Tehran does not exert control over the Houthis. Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Tehran had instructed the Houthis last week to target Saudi Arabia and had pledged further funding and weaponry. Despite Tehran's extensive support since the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, the militia has persistently endeavored to position itself as an Iranian ally rather than a mere proxy.

Though viewed as more reckless than proxies like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which is directly under Tehran's command, the Houthis have their own ambitions, according to former US deputy special envoy for Yemen Allison Minor. The Houthis are perceived as more dangerous due to their tendency to pursue their vision recklessly. The extent to which the Houthis will heed Saudi Arabia's warning or continue escalating their attacks remains uncertain as the US-Iran conflict intensifies.