Saudi Arabia has lifted a security alert in the southern city of Khamis Mushait, a day after Houthi attacks on the city and nearby areas reportedly injured 73 people and caused fires at oil facilities.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched attacks on Tuesday, targeting an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in three nearby cities. The attacks were among the most significant strikes on Saudi territory since the escalation of the wider U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran in February.
Saudi authorities did not immediately explain the reason for Wednesday’s alert or provide further details about the security situation.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have increased in recent months, raising concerns that the conflict in Yemen could return to a broader confrontation. A United Nations-brokered truce in 2022 largely brought an end to years of intense fighting.
The Houthis have also declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, while the Saudi-led coalition has carried out strikes against what it describes as Houthi military targets in Yemen.
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have recently launched an offensive against Houthi-held areas following attempts by the group to advance on government positions.
The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of escalating the conflict and say their attacks are retaliation for Saudi military actions in Yemen.
The latest developments have heightened concerns about further regional instability and the potential impact on energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
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