Houthis Launch Major Missiles And Drones At Saudi Base And Vessel
Iran-backed Houthi forces have launched a coordinated ballistic missile and drone assault on the Sharurah military base in Najran, Saudi Arabia, targeting key command centers and weapons depots.
- Sharurah military base targeted by ballistic missiles and drones
- Two people injured and buildings damaged in Jazan by a projectile impact
- Commercial vessel hit in the Strait of Hormuz with one crew member killed
- Intense fighting, airstrikes, and regional diplomatic talks taking place
Saudi Arabia And Strait Of Hormuz Attacks
While Riyadh has not formally confirmed the strike on the base, the Saudi Civil Defence reported that a projectile impacted the al-Tuwal area of Jazan near the Yemen border. The attack resulted in two injuries and caused damage to a mosque, vehicles, and various buildings.
Simultaneously, a vessel was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported that an Iranian commercial ship off the coast of Qeshm Island was hit, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to three others. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the projectile strike, noting that the crew was subsequently evacuated.
Conflict Escalation And Regional Response
Conflict in the region has intensified, with Houthi forces seizing the Red Sea port of Mokha and strengthening their presence at the Bab el-Mandeb strait. In response, Saudi-backed units and government forces have engaged in counter-offensives, with Houthis reporting 129 airstrikes conducted by Saudi jets over a 48-hour period. Thousands of civilians have fled the affected areas.
Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel to the hostilities. Iran and Oman have announced an agreement on new entry and exit routes for the Strait of Hormuz, with plans to brief other Gulf states in Muscat on Monday, though no formal agreement is expected. In New Delhi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held high-level discussions with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, both calling for regional restraint.
Market concerns persist as Saudi Arabia previously shut down its East-West pipeline following drone attacks linked to the broader Iran-related confrontation. The ongoing hostilities continue to threaten energy security and shipping stability across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen.