Sanaa: Missile strikes were carried out on industrial facilities in Jizan in southwestern Saudi Arabia, the Houthi rebels of Yemen claimed on Saturday.
These were in response to the Saudi attacks on the Yemeni port city of Al-Hudaydah, the group claimed, as reported by ANI.
The strikes were launched by the Houthis after Saudi forces carried out multiple attacks targeting a facility in Al-Hudaydah in western Yemen and Kamran Island, Iranian state media Press TV reported.
Yemen’s air defence systems forced Saudi warplanes to leave the country’s airspace, the group claimed. It accused Saudi Arabia of escalating tensions and warned Riyadh of consequences.
“The Saudi regime bears the consequences for any developments that will occur as a result of its criminal step,” the statement said, as quoted by Press TV.
The Houthis also criticised Saudi Arabia for continuing military action instead of responding to Yemen’s demand for an end to the prolonged blockade along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
“Instead of complying with the rightful and just demand to lift the blockade on Yemen, the Saudi regime has committed a major folly that will cost it dearly,” the statement said, as quoted by Press TV.
The Iran-backed rebel group warned of further escalation, saying that latest developments would change the nature of the conflict.
“By targeting Al-Hudaydah, the equation of ‘escalation for escalation’ will be the title of the next phase,” it added.
The Houthis had earlier claimed responsibility for an attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia had carried out strikes on Sanaa airport, further escalating tensions between Riyadh and the Iran-backed group.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson of the Houthis, claimed that the group targeted Saudi vessels “ENCELIA” and “LAYLA” using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. He claimed the operation caused fires on both vessels.
Citing the country’s Transport General Authority, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that all crew members aboard the Saudi-owned vessel ENCELIA were safe after the ship was targeted while transiting the Red Sea.
The Houthis previously announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of imposing restrictions on Yemen. The group has warned of further military action if what it describes as aggression against Yemen continues.