The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said Tuesday that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones on the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, amid a military escalation inside Yemen that caused casualties and displaced tens of thousands.
Coalition reports injuries and civilian damage
Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the attacks were carried out Monday and targeted civilian objects, causing minor and moderate injuries, as well as damage to seven homes and two vehicles. He added that the Joint Forces Command would take the necessary measures to deter the attacks and protect Saudi Arabia and civilians, citing the right to self-defense.
The Saudi Cabinet pledged to respond “firmly” and condemned the continued Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian objects, affirming the kingdom’s right to defend itself and protect its sovereignty and interests. Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, also condemned the attacks, describing them as a threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability and the safety of its residents.
Houthis announce attack on Khamis Mushait base
The Houthis said Monday that they had carried out a drone and missile attack on King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. The group accused Saudi Arabia of conducting dozens of airstrikes on areas in the governorates of Taiz, Lahj, Al Jawf, Marib and Hajjah. Houthi political bureau member Hizam al-Asad said the group’s attacks would continue as long as Saudi military operations in Yemen continued.
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei denied any involvement by Tehran in the war in Yemen, saying the Houthis are independent and make decisions according to their interests. The attacks coincided with extensive clashes inside Yemen and shifts in control, particularly along the western coast overlooking the Red Sea.
The Houthis announced that they had taken control of positions, districts and islands, including Mayyun Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Government forces, meanwhile, said they had advanced in Al Jawf governorate and were nearing the city of Al Hazm. Government forces also announced airstrikes on Houthi positions in and around Mokha and in areas of Taiz, Lahj and Al Dhale governorates, as well as repelling an attack on Marib.
The United Nations added that security restrictions were obstructing aid access to areas along the western coast, and that about 2,300 people had reached Obock in Djibouti fleeing the escalation. The United Nations Children’s Fund said the fighting had disrupted the education of more than 137,000 children and that it was working to establish 20 child-friendly spaces and temporary classrooms and provide protection services to those affected.
