Yemen's Houthi rebels say Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes, and other key Mideast news
Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels are engaged in an escalation of airstrikes and ground battles, with fighting intensifying around Bab el-Mandeb. Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities wounded 73 people and ignited fires at oil plants, prompting Saudi vows of retaliation. In response, Houthi media reports approximately 40 Saudi strikes across Yemen, including 10 in Taiz province and a strike on a prison. Pakistan has pledged to honor a security pact if Saudi Arabia is attacked and has urged Iran to restrain the Houthis.
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- ✓ Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people and caused fires at oil facilities.
- ✓ Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to Houthi attacks on its cities and energy facilities.
- ✓ Houthi rebels report that Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes in Yemen.
- ✓ Vessel transits at the Strait of Hormuz fell to seven on Thursday from 11 the previous day.
What changed
The death toll from a Saudi airstrike on a Yemen prison rose to 23 with seven people still missing.
Live updates
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Saudi Arabia and Houthi Rebels Exchange Strikes Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict
Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels are engaged in an escalation of airstrikes and ground battles, with fighting intensifying around Bab el-Mandeb. Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities wounded 73 people and ignited fires at oil plants, prompting Saudi vows of retaliation. In response, Houthi media reports approximately 40 Saudi strikes across Yemen, including 10 in Taiz province and a strike on a prison. Pakistan has pledged to honor a security pact if Saudi Arabia is attacked and has urged Iran to restrain the Houthis.
Why it matters
The conflict reflects a deepening regional struggle involving Iran and Saudi Arabia. Continued instability in Yemen threatens critical shipping lanes, as evidenced by vessel transits at the Strait of Hormuz falling to seven on Thursday.
What is confirmed
- Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people and caused fires at oil facilities.
- Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to Houthi attacks on its cities and energy facilities.
- Houthi rebels report that Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes in Yemen.
- Vessel transits at the Strait of Hormuz fell to seven on Thursday from 11 the previous day.
Still unconfirmed
- A Saudi strike on a Yemen prison killed 23 people with seven remaining missing.
- Saudi Arabia launched approximately 40 strikes in a recent attack.
- Saudi Arabia launched 10 strikes on Yemen's Taiz province.
- Pakistan warned Iran to rein in the Houthis.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the final death toll from the prison airstrike
- Official Saudi military announcements regarding retaliatory strikes
- Changes in shipping traffic volume through the Strait of Hormuz
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (22)
- Al Jazeera — Yemen fighting live: Battles rage between Houthi and Saudi-backed forces
- AP News — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people, officials say
- The New York Times — Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation After Houthi Attacks Injure Dozens
- BBC — Saudi Arabia vows to respond after Houthis attack cities and energy facilities
- Reuters — Saudi Arabia lifts alert in southern city a day after Houthi strikes
- AP News — Yemen's Houthi rebels say Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes, and other key Mideast news
- Bloomberg.com — Pakistan Pledges to Honor Security Pact If Saudi Arabia Attacked
- AP News — The death toll in Yemen prison airstrike rises to 23 with 7 still missing, Houthi rebels say
- aljazeera.com — Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of killing seven in Yemen prison air strike
- The Times of Israel — Houthis say 7 killed in Saudi strike on Yemen prison as Bab el-Mandeb battle intensifies
- Mehr News Agency — Yemen warns responses to S. Arabia will be ‘unforgettable'
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Yemen prison strike: Death toll rises to 23 as 7 remain missing after Houthi facility hit
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