JBizNewsHouthi attack on Saudi Arabia wounds 11, including a child, as kingdom warns of escalation
Eleven people were wounded in Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Friday morning, citing the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Yemeni terrorist group.
One Yemeni, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani were wounded alongside seven Saudis, the coalition said.
Among the wounded Saudis, one woman and a four-year-old child were counted.
On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed to have struck Najran Airport in response to Saudi drone incursions over Yemen. Saudi Arabia did not comment on the claims at the time.
On Thursday, the Houthis claimed to have struck Saudi troops in the border areas of Al Ruwayk, Al Abr and Al Thaniyah using ballistic missiles and drones. The group said hundreds of Saudi-aligned fighters were killed or wounded, and that military camps, weapons depots and vehicles were destroyed.
The Yemeni government sources, however, noted that 30 of its troops had been killed in attacks on military camps in Yemen’s Marib and Hadramout provinces, adding that the death toll could rise.
Saudi Arabia recently struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq
In recent weeks, the Saudi-Houthi conflict has escalated rapidly, and on Friday, morning, a Saudi official said the country is anticipating attacks from Iran-backed militias in Iraq in coordination with the Houthis. The attack, they said, could target civilian and economic sites including energy infrastructure, ports and airports.
This reveal came about as a result of intelligence from Saudi Arabia, the US, and other countries, the official said. Moreover, Saudi Arabia had observed drone and missile movement, the official noted.
The official added that an attack could be meant to derail diplomatic negotiations, and that the Saudi Arabia remains prepared in the event of a strike.
On July 29, Saudi Arabia said it had struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq following alleged attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The militias vowed to respond in turn.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are also expected to sign a joint defense agreement on Friday.