Saudi Arabia vows firm response to Houthi missile and drone attacks

Saudi Arabia warned Tuesday it will react "firmly" to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels after a series of missile and drone strikes wounded 13 civilians in the kingdom's south. The Riyadh-led coalition confirmed the attacks targeted the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif on Monday, stating it would take "all necessary operational measures" to protect Saudi sovereignty. The Houthis claimed responsibility for a "large-scale" assault using "dozens of ballistic missiles and drones" against the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait. A resident of the city reported hearing intense blasts that left fires burning for a long time. The coalition said it responded with more than 50 strikes. The attacks are part of renewed fighting that erupted in July when the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The group recently seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping lane. It has also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel.