The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has promised to respond “firmly” to missile and drone attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi groups that wounded 13 civilians across three cities in the kingdom.
The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government, said early on Tuesday that Houthi attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif caused minor to moderate injuries and damaged seven homes and two vehicles.
“The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will deal with these attacks responsibly and firmly to protect the sovereignty of the kingdom,” said coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that hostilities in Yemen have displaced at least 18,000 households – or 125,000 people – since the start of the month.
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In a statement, OCHA adds that the fighting is forcing people to flee their homes, driving civilian casualties, and putting already stretched humanitarian operations under growing pressure.
Late on Monday, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said Saudi Arabia launched 54 air raids across the governorates of Lahj, Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Hajjah in the past 24 hours.
The group said Saudi air strikes hit the government complex in Khadir district, Taiz governorate, causing injuries.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets operating from Saudi airbases in Khamis Mushait and Taif were used in the strikes and threatened retaliation.
Houthi aligned media reported that the Saudi attacks killed three civilians, including two children, and injured at least two others in Taiz province’s Dhubab and Maqbanah districts.
Saudi Arabia has not commented publicly on the Houthi claims. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment.
Al Jazeera
