Houthis report more than 30 Saudi airstrikes across Yemen

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels reported more than 30 Saudi airstrikes across several parts of the country on Wednesday, a day after launching a major attack on Saudi Arabia that reportedly left dozens injured.

“Saudi enemy aircraft carried out 32 airstrikes on various areas in the governorates of Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz and Hodeida over the past few hours,” the rebels’ Almasirah television reported.

Saudi Arabia has not issued an official response to the Houthi claims.

Saudi authorities previously said Houthi attacks early Tuesday temporarily disrupted operations at oil facilities and injured 73 people. The rebels subsequently reported Saudi airstrikes in retaliation.

Fighting in Yemen intensified again last week after the Houthis launched a major offensive aimed at capturing territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The strategic waterway has gained greater importance for Saudi oil exports since Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting Gulf energy shipments.

More than 500 people, mostly fighters from both sides, have been killed in the latest escalation, according to an AFP tally based on sources from the opposing camps.

The Houthis have been increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, for several weeks. Since July, when a 2022 truce between the two sides collapsed, the rebels have repeatedly targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and tankers.

They have also announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and launched attacks on Saudi-linked vessels, further constraining exports already affected by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed hostilities began in July after the Houthis allowed an Iranian aircraft to land in Yemen despite Saudi control over the country’s airspace. Yemen’s government responded by striking the airport, an attack the rebels have blamed on Saudi Arabia, their government’s backer.