Saudi Arabia warns of firm response after Houthi attacks injure 13

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 15, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has warned Yemen’s Houthi movement that it will respond “firmly” after a series of missile and drone attacks on three Saudi cities left 13 civilians injured, escalating the latest phase of the conflict in Yemen.

The Saudi-led coalition said the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones on Monday against areas in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. Thirteen civilians suffered minor to moderate injuries, while seven homes and two vehicles were damaged, according to coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki.

The Houthis claimed they had carried out a large-scale operation involving dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia. Residents reported hearing heavy explosions during the attacks.

The coalition said it would take all necessary operational measures to deter further attacks and protect Saudi sovereignty, civilians and civilian infrastructure. Al-Maliki said any response would be carried out under the principles of self-defence and international humanitarian law.

The attacks came as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensified after a prolonged period of relative calm. The conflict has increasingly spread along Yemen’s western coastline and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Houthis have also targeted Saudi energy infrastructure during the renewed conflict, raising concerns over regional oil supplies at a time when disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have already placed additional pressure on global energy markets. Oil prices have recently moved above $100 a barrel amid growing fears over supply disruptions.

The Houthis said Saudi Arabia had carried out more than 50 airstrikes against their positions. That figure was reported by the Houthi movement and was not independently verified.

The latest escalation follows earlier Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities. Saudi authorities said earlier this month that dozens of civilians had been wounded in attacks affecting areas including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran.