Houthis say air strikes hit Yemen after Saudi Arabia vows ‘firm’ response

Houthis pledge to continue attacks on ‘Saudi military concentrations until aggression ceases’

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have accused Saudi Arabia of launching dozens of air attacks across Yemen, after the Saudi-led coalition promised to respond “firmly” to missile and drone attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis that wounded 13 civilians across three cities in the kingdom.

The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government, said early on Tuesday that Houthi attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif caused minor to moderate injuries, damaging seven homes and two vehicles.

“The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will deal with these attacks responsibly and firmly to protect the sovereignty of the kingdom,” said coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki.

Later on Tuesday, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said Saudi Arabia launched 54 air raids across the governorates of Lahj, Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Hajjah in the past 24 hours.

The group said Saudi air strikes hit the government complex in Khadir district, Taiz governorate, causing injuries.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets operating from Saudi airbases in Khamis Mushait and Taif were used in the strikes and threatened retaliation.

Houthi-aligned media reported that the Saudi attacks killed three civilians, including two children, and injured at least two others in Taiz province’s Dhubab and Maqbanah districts.