Iran-backed Houthis attack four Saudi cities in expansion of Middle East war, 73 hurt

Live updates

1. 4d ago

   Houthis Seize Yemen Red Sea Coast and Disrupt Saudi Oil Pipeline

   Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline and forced Saudi Arabia to shut down a critical oil pipeline following drone strikes. These developments follow two consecutive days of attacks on southern Saudi cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan. The Houthis utilized ballistic missiles and drones to target national assets and infrastructure. This escalation occurs as Saudi Arabia vows retaliation and global oil prices approach 100 dollars per barrel due to the instability of key shipping routes and energy infrastructure.

   Why it matters

   The conflict involves a broader regional escalation with the U.S. hitting Iranian tankers and Iran targeting a U.S. base in Jordan. Control of the Bab-el-Mandeb shipping lane provides a strategic advantage to the Houthis and their Iranian backers. Pakistan is currently balancing its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia against its diplomatic ties with Iran.

   What is confirmed

   • Houthi forces attacked the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan with drones and ballistic missiles on Wednesday.
   • The Houthis have taken control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline.
   • Saudi Arabia suspended a crucial oil pipeline following a drone attack.
   • Turki al-Malki stated that the Houthis are continuing attacks on Saudi national assets and infrastructure.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pakistan is facing pressure to honor Saudi defense commitments while maintaining ties with Iran.

   What to watch next

   • Saudi Arabia's specific retaliatory actions against Houthi or Iranian targets
   • The status of the proposed deal between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz
   • Confirmation of the specific oil pipeline affected by the drone strikes
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.al-monitor.com — Houthis attack southern Saudi cities for second day, Saudi-led coalition says
   2. www.aljazeera.com — Why Pakistan is talking to Iran as the Houthi-Saudi fight escalates
   3. www.nbcnews.com — Strikes shut down key Saudi pipeline as Iran-backed Houthis tighten grip on crucial shipping lane
   4. www.aljazeera.com — Iran war live: Houthis control Red Sea coast, Saudi pipeline shut down
   confidence 95%
2. 6d ago

   Houthis Strike Four Saudi Cities as Middle East Conflict Expands

   Iran-backed Houthi forces attacked four cities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding 73 people and setting oil installations on fire. The strikes coincide with a broader escalation involving U.S. forces hitting Iranian oil tankers and Iran targeting a U.S. base in Jordan. Saudi Arabia has vowed to retaliate. These developments have pushed oil prices toward $100 per barrel amid fears of a prolonged conflict. Simultaneously, Iran has threatened the U.S. with missiles and new economic warfare, though it claims a deal with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz is near.

   Why it matters

   The Middle East war has persisted for six months, primarily involving Houthi control of most populated areas in Yemen. The recent expansion directly involves U.S. assets and Saudi infrastructure, increasing the risk of a regional oil supply crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Houthi forces attacked four cities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
   • The attacks wounded 73 people and set oil installations on fire.
   • U.S. forces hit multiple Iranian oil tankers.
   • Iran targeted a U.S. base in Jordan.
   • Oil prices are nearing $100 per barrel.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran is close to reaching a deal with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Iran is planning new economic warfare and missile strikes against the U.S.

   What to watch next

   • Saudi Arabia's retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets
   • Confirmation of the Oman-Iran deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz
   • U.S. military response to the attack on its base in Jordan
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. CNBC — Oil extends gains as renewed Mideast hostilities raise worries of prolonged conflict
   2. Reuters — Iran threatens US with new 'economic warfare' and missiles as Houthis attack Saudi Arabia
   3. Bloomberg.com — Oil Near $100 as Iran Says Hormuz Deal With Oman Is Close
   4. Al Jazeera — Yemen fighting live: Battles rage between Houthi and Saudi-backed forces
   5. The New York Times — Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation After Houthi Attacks Injure Dozens
   6. The Guardian — Houthis strike Saudi Arabian cities in significant expansion of Middle East war
   7. Fox News — Iran-backed terrorists escalate war with Saudi Arabia as US trades strikes with Iran
   8. www.postandcourier.com — War expands as US strikes Iranian tankers, Iran-backed Houthis attack Saudi cities
   9. www.staradvertiser.com — Middle East war expands as Houthis strike Saudi cities
   10. dailytimes.com.pk — Petrol jumps further by Rs 5.58, diesel by Rs 4.18 in Pakistan: Houthis attack four Saudi cities in expansion of ME war, 73 wounded
   confidence 90%