Houthi Attacks Wound 73 Civilians in Saudi Arabia, Oil Prices Surge Toward $100

Strikes Hit Civilian and Energy Sites in Southern Saudi Arabia; Regional Escalation Raises Fresh Concerns Over Global Energy Supplies

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Nazrana Times): At least 73 civilians, including women and children, have been wounded in a series of Houthi attacks targeting civilian, economic and energy sites in southern Saudi Arabia, as escalating regional tensions pushed global oil prices toward the $100-per-barrel mark on Tuesday. 

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki said the attacks affected sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Saudi authorities described the strikes as a dangerous escalation and a threat to the kingdom’s security and civilian population. 

Energy Facilities Hit, Operations Temporarily Disrupted

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said attacks on energy-sector facilities in the kingdom’s southern regions caused fires at several locations and injuries of varying severity. Some operational activities were temporarily suspended as authorities worked to secure the affected facilities and maintain operational continuity. 

The Houthis said they had carried out a large-scale operation using ballistic missiles and drones. The group claimed that Saudi Aramco facilities and military targets were among the sites attacked. 

Oil Prices Approach $100

The attacks added fresh pressure to global energy markets amid fears that an expanding Middle East conflict could further disrupt oil production and shipping.

Brent crude climbed to around $98 per barrel, while U.S. crude traded above $93 per barrel, according to Reuters. During Tuesday’s trading, Brent moved even closer to the psychologically important $100 level as markets reacted to the attacks and wider regional uncertainty. 

The developments are particularly significant because Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest oil producers, meaning disruptions to its energy infrastructure can quickly affect expectations about global supplies.

Regional Conflict Intensifies

The Saudi-Houthi confrontation has intensified alongside a broader regional crisis. Fighting inside Yemen has also increased sharply, with the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces exchanging attacks after a period in which large-scale hostilities had been substantially reduced. 

The renewed confrontation has increased concerns about the security of key regional energy and maritime routes. Continued instability could place additional pressure on global crude prices if production facilities or major shipping corridors suffer prolonged disruption.

Saudi authorities have indicated that measures will be taken to protect the kingdom and its infrastructure, while the Houthis have linked their latest attacks to recent strikes in Yemen.