Riyadh, September 14: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia persist, with Houthi rebels launching another round of missile strikes in the southern part of the Kingdom.
Loud explosions were heard across several areas in southern Saudi Arabia.
The Civil Defense Department had issued a warning to residents in the Khamis Mushait and Abha regions of southwestern Saudi Arabia; however, Al Jazeera reported that the warning was withdrawn within an hour.
These two cities, located near the Yemen border, had been issued warnings twice within the span of a single hour.
This development comes amidst ongoing attacks by the Houthis—who control densely populated areas of Yemen and large swathes of the country’s north—against Saudi Arabia.
Tensions in the Red Sea:
Al Jazeera reported that the Houthis have been targeting Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against the Kingdom in July. Saudi vessels navigating the Red Sea are also reportedly being targeted.
Meanwhile, hospitals along Yemen’s western coast are facing a dire situation. Providing healthcare services in hospitals has become difficult due to continuous attacks and disruptions to the medical system. Lou Carmac, the Yemen country director for ‘Doctors Without Borders’ (Médecins Sans Frontières), stated that there are “severe shortages” in the hospital system along the west coast.
Several hospitals had to be evacuated over the weekend. Carmac noted that, for a time, only essential services could be maintained at Mocha General Hospital. Although some hospitals have resumed operations, critical shortages—including a lack of staff—persist within the medical system. Finding the necessary personnel to run the hospitals remains a challenge, Carmac said.
“A large number of people live on the west coast. Like any other community, they require daily healthcare services. Mothers continue to give birth, and children continue to fall ill. However, if there is nowhere to receive treatment, people risk losing their lives,” he warned.
Attack on Sharoura Military Base:
Tensions have escalated further as the Iran-backed Houthis tighten their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Attacks are reportedly targeting the alternative route used by ships transporting Saudi Arabian oil exports. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree announced on ‘X’ that attacks were carried out on Sunday against weapons depots and command-and-control rooms at a military base in the Sharurah region of Saudi Arabia. Al Jazeera reported that two people were injured in the Houthi attack near the Saudi border.
Saudi request for US action against Houthis:
CBS News reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis. However, it is reported that Trump rejected this request.
Nations have been urged to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation. BRICS nations have insisted that priority be given to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Furthermore, there have been calls to emphasize dialogue and diplomatic efforts that pave the way for long-term peace, security, and stability. The nations also stressed the need to ensure the smooth continuation of global trade, supply chains, and energy shipments.