Government Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Energy Facilities

The government on the 14th condemned the Houthi rebels' attacks on civilians and economic facilities in southern Saudi Arabia and urged an immediate halt to the assaults, in a statement by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson. "Attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, as well as acts obstructing the free and safe navigation of vessels, cannot be justified under any circumstances," the Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

The Houthi rebels attacked Saudi energy infrastructure with missiles and drones on the 8th, killing dozens of civilians.

The attacks have also affected Red Sea transit. After clashes with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, the Houthis seized control of the coastal city of Mokha near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on the 10th, and then captured Mayyun Island on the 11th, taking over the Red Sea coast. This has made passage through the Red Sea, which had served as an alternative energy transport route amid the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, increasingly difficult.