Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility on Monday for a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The group stated that the operation was a response to intensified Saudi airstrikes across Yemen in recent days.
According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the attack involved dozens of ballistic missiles and drones that targeted aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots at the base, claiming significant damage. Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the Houthi claims, although Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued an alert for Khamis Mushait governorate, later stating that the danger had passed.
The incident comes amidst a sharp escalation in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The Houthis have been conducting cross-border attacks into Saudi territory, including missile and drone strikes on cities and energy facilities. In response, Saudi Arabia has intensified its airstrikes on Houthi-held areas within Yemen.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, met with General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, in Jeddah on Monday. The meeting, which focused on bilateral relations and recent regional developments, occurred as the Houthis have been increasing their attacks on Saudi military and oil facilities. The U.S. has been engaged in military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.
The Houthi offensive in Yemen has also seen significant advances, with the group capturing several government-held areas and strategic locations, including the island of Mayun in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This advance tightens the Houthi grip on the vital shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant displacement of people within Yemen, with the United Nations reporting almost 86,000 people displaced by fighting.
The escalating tensions in the region have had an impact on global oil markets, with crude oil prices rising. The threat to tanker traffic in the Middle East and attacks on Saudi infrastructure, blamed on Iranian-backed groups, are contributing to increased global fuel costs. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered a crucial alternative shipping route for Saudi energy products, especially with the Strait of Hormuz being significantly impeded by the broader regional conflict.
The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks inside Saudi Arabia as long as Saudi military operations in Yemen persist, warning of broader and more severe operations in response to any further escalation.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
