Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones at multiple locations in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, injuring 73 people, including civilians, and starting fires that temporarily halted operations at some energy facilities.
The strikes followed weeks of renewed fighting that ended a four-year truce in Yemen’s civil war.
They also occurred against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping traffic has already dropped and Iran has threatened a new restricted zone.
The attacks add to a cluster of Middle East incidents this week.
Russia struck Kyiv with drones and missiles after a brief pause, killing two and injuring at least ten. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 people, including children.
Oil prices remain elevated after earlier disruptions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict; U.S. gasoline averaged a Labor Day record of $4.15 a gallon.
Saudi and U.S. officials have not announced immediate military responses, but the pattern of tit-for-tat strikes has raised fears that the various conflicts could merge into a wider regional confrontation.
Energy markets are watching the Strait of Hormuz closely, as even the threat of further disruption continues to push prices higher.
