Heavy rain, flash floods forecast across parts of Saudi Arabia through Tuesday

Riyadh, Sep 17 - At least five individuals were killed on Thursday as the Houthis, Yemeni government, and Saudi Arabia engaged in intense combat, following the Iran-backed group's recent offensive gains in Yemen. The conflict intensified after Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of striking Mecca, the city's holiest site. The Houthi group reported Saudi warplanes targeting telecommunications towers in Taiz province, causing one civilian death and another injury in Abs.

Houthi-backed sources later disclosed that three children perished and several others were injured in strikes by Saudi-backed mercenaries in the same region. Saudi Arabia's civil defense agency reported casualties from debris of an intercepted Houthi drone in Mecca's east, resulting in one death, two injuries, and damage to buildings and vehicles.

The first reported death in Saudi Arabia since the recent fighting began occurred in Taif governorate. Images from Saudi state media showed shattered windows and damaged buildings, following Saudi accusations of a "cowardly" attack on Mecca. The Houthis have reported daily Saudi strikes since their new offensive began, seizing control of strategic coastal areas, including Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is vital for Saudi Arabia's oil exports. The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people, as reported by the United Nations.