On September 8, AFP reported that Houthi forces in Yemen launched a series of attacks targeting many targets in Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 people. This is the most serious attack by this force since fighting in Yemen broke out again amidst the escalating Middle East conflict.
Houthi, a force backed by Iran, claimed to have hit Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Force Base and facilities belonging to Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil and gas corporation Aramco in Abha and Jizan, areas near the Saudi Arabia - Yemen border.
Saudi Arabian officials and state media said the raids caused many fires and forced some activities to be temporarily suspended.
The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry declared that the country will "take all necessary measures to protect sovereignty", and requested the Houthi to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia as well as ship attacks in the Red Sea.
The Saudi Arabian Joint Forces Command announced that it would respond and seek to neutralize threat sources.
The series of attacks took place after Houthi accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes in Yemen, including a bombing of a prison that killed 11 people and left 20 prisoners missing.
The Houthi are also stepping up their campaign on the fighting routes along the west coast of Yemen, with the goal of advancing towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the United Nations estimates that about 18,500 people have been displaced from their homes in the two hotspot provinces of Taiz and Hodeidah due to fighting. IOM warns that this number is continuing to increase hour by hour.
Tensions also spread to the Red Sea maritime route, where Houthi targeted Saudi Arabian oil tankers. This route plays an important role in oil exports, in the context of the Hormuz Strait being blockaded by Iran in the conflict with the US.
