Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi energy facilities, wound 73, authorities say

Operations at some energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, were halted on Tuesday following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels that wounded 73 people, in what Saudi authorities described as a dangerous escalation.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the “terrorist Houthi militia’s targeting of civilian and economic” sites in the southern cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran.

The ministry said the attacks resulted in 73 civilians being injured, including women and children.

Fires erupted at the sites and several people were injured as firefighting and other emergency teams rushed to contain the blazes and assess the damage, the Saudi energy ministry said.

It added that the authorities concerned were dealing with the repercussions of the attacks.

“The needed measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the facilities and workers and the continuation of work according to the approved operational plans,” said the ministry.

The Saudi foreign ministry said Riyadh would “take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty”.

It also called for an “immediate halt to all forms of escalation practised by this militia”, as well as Houthi attacks on shipping.