Saudi Airstrikes on Yemen After Promise of Decisive Response

In Yemen, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of launching dozens of airstrikes overnight. This comes as the Saudi-led coalition promised to respond decisively to Houthi missile and drone attacks that resulted in injuries to 13 civilians in three cities of the country.

Status of Attacks in Saudi Arabia

On Tuesday, the Saudi coalition, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government, announced that Houthi attacks on the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif resulted in minor to moderate injuries and damaged seven houses and two vehicles.

Read more: Saudi Coalition Responds to Houthi Attacks

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, stated that the Saudis conducted 54 airstrikes in the provinces of Lahij, Taiz, Al-Jawf, Marib, and Hajjah overnight. The group reported that Saudi airstrikes on a government complex in the Khudayd area of Taiz province resulted in injuries.

Casualty and Damage Statistics

Houthi-affiliated media reported that Saudi attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including two children, and injured at least two others in the Dhubab and Maqbana areas of Taiz province. Saudi Arabia has not yet commented on the Houthi claims, and the country's Foreign Ministry has not responded to requests for comments.

These attacks come after the Houthis announced on Monday that they had launched dozens of missiles and drones at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, targeting ammunition depots, radar systems, and runways. The Houthis also stated in a statement that in the past five days, Saudi warplanes have conducted 300 airstrikes across Yemen.

This exchange of airstrikes follows the rapid advances of the Houthis on the battlefield in western Yemen last week, where the group has gained control of a large portion of Yemen's Red Sea coast and advanced to areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strait is recognized as a vital route for energy and commercial transportation in the region.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government announced that it has made advances in the disputed province of Taiz and has retaken Houthi positions. They also struck Houthi forces in Dhubab and Al-Khawkhah along the Red Sea coast. Houthi and Yemeni officials reported that the Houthis have seized the large and small Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea.

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