Business · India Bureau
Houthi strikes spark fires at Saudi oil facilities; 73 injured
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a major attack on Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure Tuesday, triggering fires at multiple oil and utility installations and injuring over 70 people. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Riyadh and the Yemen-based militant group.
LSN India ·
The coordinated Houthi attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities across Saudi Arabia's southern region, according to Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen. The assaults resulted in fires at several oil and utility installations, with Saudi authorities confirming more than 70 people were wounded in the incidents.
The Kingdom's Energy Ministry announced that operations at the affected oil facilities and utilities were temporarily suspended as a result of the attacks. Officials did not immediately provide details on the extent of damage or timeline for resuming normal operations.
The wave of attacks represents a major escalation in hostilities between Saudi Arabia, a key United States ally, and the Iranian-backed Houthi movement. The rebels have periodically targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and civilian areas throughout their prolonged conflict with the kingdom's forces.
The Houthi group, officially known as Ansar Allah, has been engaged in conflict with the Saudi-led coalition since 2015. Tensions have periodically intensified despite diplomatic efforts, with both sides accused of targeting civilian infrastructure in recent years.