Fresh Wave of Houthi Missile Strikes Reported in Southern Saudi Arabia
Warnings were briefly issued for Khamis Mushait and Abha amid reports of explosions, as regional tensions continue to disrupt security and healthcare in Yemen.
RIYADH, Sept 14: A fresh wave of missile strikes allegedly launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels was reported towards southern Saudi Arabia on Monday, with Iranian state owned Press TV claiming that strong explosions were heard in parts of the southwestern region.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a warning to residents in Khamis Mushait and Abha before lifting it, marking the second such alert within an hour, Al Jazeera reported. Both cities are located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, close to the country’s border with Yemen.
The reported attacks come amid heightened tensions involving the Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen. The Iran-backed group has continued targeting Saudi-linked interests and maritime traffic in the region after announcing a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, according to Al Jazeera.
On Sunday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted weapons depots as well as command and control facilities at a Saudi military base in the Sharurah area. Al Jazeera also reported that two people were injured in a strike along the Saudi-Yemeni border.
The escalation has also deepened humanitarian concerns in Yemen. Hospitals along the country’s western coast have faced serious difficulties in maintaining medical services as the wider healthcare system struggles with staff shortages and operational disruptions.
Lou Cormack, Yemen country director for Doctors Without Borders, told Al Jazeera that hospitals in the western coastal region were facing significant gaps in their ability to provide essential care.
Cormack said several medical facilities had been evacuated over the weekend, while limited services were maintained at Mocha General Hospital. Some hospitals have since begun resuming operations, but shortages of medical personnel continue to threaten their ability to function normally.
She warned that residents along the densely populated western coast still require routine healthcare, including maternity and emergency services, despite the continuing instability.
The latest developments also highlight the growing strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Houthi attacks and threats against shipping have raised concerns over the security of routes used for regional energy exports and international trade.
According to CBS News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought US military intervention against the Houthis from President Donald Trump, but Trump reportedly declined the request.
The escalation comes as regional and international efforts continue to push for restraint. At the BRICS summit in New Delhi, member countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates expressed concern over the worsening situation in West Asia.
In the New Delhi Declaration adopted on Saturday, BRICS leaders called for maximum restraint and urged countries to avoid actions that could further intensify regional tensions.
The grouping also stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states in accordance with the UN Charter.
BRICS further called for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a lasting understanding that could promote peace, security and stability across West Asia. It also emphasised the importance of maintaining uninterrupted global trade, supply chains and energy flows in accordance with international law.
