Houthi attack on Najran leaves 11 civilians injured
A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen stated that a Houthi attack on the southern Saudi city of Najran on Thursday evening left 11 civilians injured. The coalition confirmed the casualties include seven Saudi citizens, two Egyptians, one Pakistani, and one Yemeni. No further details regarding the weaponry used or the condition of the injured have been released. This attack occurred shortly after a senior Saudi official told Al Arabiya English that credible intelligence reports suggest active coordination between the Houthis, Iraqi militias, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to prepare strikes against Saudi Arabia. The official noted that concerns are heightened as Saudi Arabia is simultaneously pursuing de-escalation and peaceful solutions, with negotiations reportedly progressing positively. He added that the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to respond to any aggression. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis have escalated in recent days. Houthi representatives claimed on Wednesday that their forces launched missile attacks on two Saudi crude oil tankers, one near the Red Sea port of Yanbu and another in the Gulf of Aden. Last month, the Houthis announced a maritime campaign and a blockade on Red Sea shipping following restrictions placed on flights and commercial cargo entering Houthi-controlled areas. The Saudi government responded by stating it would use all legal and legitimate measures under international law to protect commercial shipping lanes. These maritime developments follow intense ground fighting in western Yemen, where Yemeni government forces clashed with Houthis in the south of Hodeidah province. Reports indicate at least 50 Houthi fighters were killed and dozens wounded in those clashes. The conflict widened after Houthi officials accused Saudi Arabia of an airstrike on Sanaa International Airport. The internationally recognised Yemeni government claimed responsibility for the strike, stating the operation was conducted to intercept an incoming Iranian aircraft. In response, the Houthis fired missiles into southwestern Saudi Arabia, targeting areas near Abha airport.