Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Response as Houthi Strikes Wound Civilians and Oil Risks Climb

Saudi Arabia warned Tuesday that it will respond firmly to Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis after ballistic-missile and drone attacks wounded civilians in the kingdom's south, according to Reuters and AFP. The escalation came as Gulf states postponed talks on easing pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, adding uncertainty for oil markets.

The Houthis said they fired missiles and drones at King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait, targeting military facilities in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. The Riyadh-led coalition confirmed attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, reporting 13 civilians wounded and damage to houses and vehicles. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts across southern cities, while coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the Joint Forces Command would deal with the attacks firmly.

Reuters reported that the strikes formed part of a broader Houthi push along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the seizure of Perim Island and fighting around Mocha. AFP said the Houthis declared a maritime blockade and that renewed fighting displaced 93,864 people, according to the UN migration agency.

Oil traders told Reuters that a prolonged shutdown of Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline could cut up to 4% of global supply while Hormuz remains largely blockaded. Crude rose more than 4% before settling higher. Oman postponed talks on reopening Hormuz; Iran said there would be no talks until its conditions were met. Conflicting accounts about tanker El Gaia underscored the contested shipping picture.

Image: Illustrative shipping-routes map for Red Sea / Bab al-Mandab / Hormuz context — original graphic for iShook Daily; not combat imagery.