Houthi Rebels Launch Major Missile and Drone Attack Toward Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated their military campaign against Saudi Arabia with a major drone and missile attack on the kingdom’s Jazan region. The assault targeted an Aramco refinery, a bulk fuel plant, and an area near King Abdullah Airport, marking a significant uptick in hostilities. This follows earlier Houthi claims on 10 September that they had struck an “important target” in Riyadh using a missile and drones. The attacks represent a direct challenge to Saudi Arabia’s security and energy infrastructure.
The Houthis have framed these operations as retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes and sanctions against their group in Sanaa. They also claimed that brigades were preparing for a major attack against them in response to the strikes on Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, but were instead entrapped by Houthi forces. On 24 September, Houthi Major-General Hassan Almalsi was killed while his squad attempted to infiltrate into Najran Province, underscoring the intensity of ground clashes. Meanwhile, the Houthis recently seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, a gateway to a key shipping route used by the Gulf state to export to Asia and Europe.
The conflict has also spilled into maritime domains. A Saudi-owned cargo carrier was attacked, causing one minor injury and damage, while the Saudi-owned M/V Sea Champion continued its course to Aden, Yemen, where it delivered grain for the Yemeni people. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Tuesday that an “expansion of conflicts in the region” was underway, stating that resistance group members would “not remain silent against America’s full support” of Israel and “will not wait for anyone’s advice.”
These developments signal a dangerous new phase in the Yemen war, with the Houthis demonstrating advanced strike capabilities and a willingness to target high-value Saudi assets. The international community must brace for potential disruptions to global oil supplies and shipping lanes, as the conflict risks drawing in broader
Shimanta Das 
