Thirteen civilians were injured and several homes and vehicles damaged after Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted civilian areas in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, Saudi Arabia, according to the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen.
Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks Hit 3 Saudi Cities
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al Maliki said the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones toward civilian areas in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.
The attacks targeted populated areas and resulted in injuries and property damage, according to the coalition statement issued early Tuesday.
13 Civilians Injured in the Attacks
According to Al Maliki, 13 civilians sustained minor to moderate injuries following the Houthi attacks.
The attacks also caused damage to seven residential homes and two vehicles, highlighting the risks posed to civilians and civilian property by missile and drone attacks.
Coalition Warns of Escalating Houthi Attacks
Al Maliki said the repeated attacks demonstrate what he described as an escalating Houthi campaign against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The latest incident follows previous Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi cities. Arab Local has previously reported on Houthi ballistic missile attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, where Saudi air defenses intercepted missiles launched toward the city.
Houthi drones have also previously targeted southern Saudi Arabia. In one earlier incident, Saudi air defenses destroyed drones targeting Abha Airport and Najran.
Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Response
Al Maliki confirmed that the coalition would respond firmly and responsibly to protect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, civilians and civilian infrastructure from further attacks.
He said the coalition would take all necessary operational measures to deter additional attacks and counter what he described as hostile actions by the Houthis.
Response to Follow International Law
The coalition spokesman said any response would be conducted in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the right to self-defense, as well as applicable international humanitarian law.
The statement comes as Saudi authorities continue to emphasize the protection of civilian areas and infrastructure from cross-border missile and drone threats.
Previous Houthi Attacks on Saudi Civilian Areas
Saudi cities have previously faced missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis. Earlier incidents have resulted in injuries and damage to residential properties and civilian vehicles.
In a previous attack, two residents were injured after a Houthi ballistic missile fell in an industrial area in Jazan, while workshops and civilian vehicles were damaged. The earlier Houthi missile attack in Jazan was also condemned by the coalition as an attack targeting civilians.
Saudi air defenses have also intercepted Houthi drones targeting Abha and other areas of the Kingdom. In one incident near Abha Airport, falling debris from an intercepted drone injured four workers. The Abha Airport drone incident highlighted the potential risks from intercepted aerial attacks even when the incoming drone is destroyed.
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Protection of Civilians
The latest attacks have renewed attention on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure from cross-border missile and drone threats.
Saudi authorities and coalition forces have repeatedly stated that necessary measures will be taken to protect the Kingdom’s territory and residents and to deter further hostile attacks.
Key Details of the Houthi Attacks
- Countries affected: Saudi Arabia
- Cities targeted: Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif
- Weapons used: Ballistic missiles and drones
- Civilians injured: 13
- Residential homes damaged: 7
- Vehicles damaged: 2
- Coalition response: Firm and responsible measures to protect civilians and infrastructure
Conclusion
The Houthi missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif injured 13 civilians and caused damage to homes and vehicles. The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said it would take necessary measures to protect Saudi Arabia and deter further attacks, while any response would be carried out under the right to self-defense and applicable international humanitarian law.
