Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate as nearly 94,000 displaced

Following nearly a month of escalating clashes, the Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia, displacing an estimated 94,000 people. The rebels, backed by Iran, have launched a series of ballistic missile and drone assaults on civilian areas in Abha, Khamis Mushait and Taif, causing injuries to 13 people and damage to seven homes and two vehicles. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence has advised residents to remain indoors and avoid windows, rooftops, and exposed areas due to ongoing threats.

The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed the attacks were in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, targeting aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots. The Saudi-led coalition reported 54 air strikes over the previous 24 hours, hitting locations in Taiz, Lahj, Al Jawf, Marib, and Hajjah. Concerns are growing over Houthi attacks on civilian areas, as Human Rights Watch highlighted potential war crimes in recent assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.