Iran-backed Houthis are advancing along the western coast of Yemen in a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, resulting in the displacement of nearly 94,000 people. The Saudi Civil Defense has advised residents of six cities to stay indoors and avoid open areas. These cities include Yanbu, Saudi Arabia's main oil port on the Red Sea, from which millions of barrels of oil are loaded daily.
Damage from Attacks
Saudi officials reported that as a result of these attacks, 13 people were injured, and seven homes and two vehicles were damaged. General Mohammed Turk Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, stated that the Houthis have targeted civilian areas in Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Taif using ballistic missiles and drones. The Houthis announced that they fired dozens of missiles and drones at King Khalid Air Base near Khamis Mushait. Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, identified the targets of the attack as ammunition depots, radar systems, and airport runways.
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Concerns About Maritime Security and Oil Exports
As the conflict intensifies, concerns about maritime security and Saudi oil exports have increased. Reports indicate that these attacks followed Saudi airstrikes on Yemen in the past 24 hours, with 54 airstrikes carried out. These attacks have focused on the regions of Taif, Taiz, Lahij, Al-Jawf, Marib, and Hajjah. The Houthis have reacted strongly to these attacks, warning that these actions will not go unanswered.
The International Organization for Migration has also reported that 93,864 people have been displaced due to recent conflicts and floods in Yemen. The regions of Taiz and Lahij are among the worst affected areas. In the Jabal Habashi area of Taiz, 18,840 people have been displaced, and in the Al-Mudharabah area of Lahij, 16,464 people have been displaced. This displacement comes as years of conflict have already driven millions of Yemenis from their homes and left many dependent on humanitarian aid.
Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition to counter the Houthis, although the conflict had significantly decreased in recent years due to a ceasefire. Last Thursday, the Houthis captured the strategic port of Al-Mokha and subsequently took control of the islands of Perim and Zuqar near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. News sources have reported that Iran has played a role in guiding the Houthis' advance along the Red Sea coast, including the capture of Perim.
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