After a night of intense bombardment by Houthi rebels, which left dozens wounded and struck several settlements in the south of the country, Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning.
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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as completely unacceptable and stressed that the kingdom would no longer allow any hostile act against its airspace and assets. In a statement circulated on digital platforms, the authorities labeled the Houthis as pursuing an “open strategy of confrontation and criminal practices” that threaten both domestic and regional security.
According to Riyadh, the rebel group has repeatedly ignored every initiative aimed at reaching a peaceful solution.
Saudi diplomacy underscored that the kingdom reserves the unequivocal right to take any necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security. “The kingdom reaffirms its legal authority to adopt all necessary means to defend its independence, secure national infrastructure, and protect its citizens and residents,” the statement said.
The statement also contained a clear warning of “punishments” if attacks against civilians and Saudi territory continue. “The kingdom will not turn a blind eye to any attack targeting its territory and property,” the ministry said, invoking the norms of international law.
Despite its firm rhetoric, Riyadh also called for the urgent cessation of all forms of escalatory activity.
The position comes in response to a series of missile and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi insurgents. Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, confirmed that at least 73 people, including women and minors, were injured.
According to official Saudi sources, Houthi forces targeted residential and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Fires also broke out at several facilities in the country’s southern sector, while some energy-sector operations were briefly suspended.
The latest barrage represents a significant intensification of the clashes between the two sides, following a period of relative calm after the 2022 ceasefire agreement. Since July, tensions have once again escalated, with missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi positions, including energy complexes and vessels passing through the Red Sea.
The rebels have also declared a maritime embargo on Saudi vessels and signaled their intention to increase the pressure. At the same time, new clashes have been reported on the ground inside Yemen between Houthi supporters and forces backed by Riyadh.
These latest episodes have fueled concerns about a possible expansion of the conflict, which could threaten the stability of the entire region and Saudi Arabia’s vital energy network.
