Saudi coalition vows ‘decisive response’ to Houthi attacks

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has vowed to deliver a strong response to recent Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki accused the Houthi movement of deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, describing the attacks as evidence of the group’s extremist ideology and its policy of intensifying regional tensions.

Speaking about the latest developments, Al-Malki said the coalition would respond to the attacks with determination and responsibility. He added that all necessary operational and defensive measures would be taken to counter the Houthi threat.

The statement comes after the Saudi-led military alliance reported that multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces toward Saudi Arabia on Monday had injured 13 civilians.

The coalition did not immediately provide further details about the locations of the attacks or the extent of the damage. However, the reported casualties have raised fresh concerns about the safety of civilians amid continued hostilities involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

The Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen, have repeatedly claimed attacks against Saudi and other regional targets. Their military activities have remained a major source of tension in the Arabian Peninsula, with missile and drone operations posing risks to civilian areas and critical infrastructure.

The latest escalation follows a claim by Yemen’s Houthi forces that they had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid Air Base.

The group’s claim has added to concerns that attacks involving long-range weapons could further complicate regional security efforts. Saudi Arabia has previously relied on air-defence systems to intercept incoming missiles and drones, while the coalition has maintained that protecting civilians remains a central priority.

Al-Malki’s latest warning suggests that the coalition is preparing to take additional steps in response to the attacks. However, details about any planned military operation have not been disclosed.

The renewed confrontation also highlights the continuing fragility of Yemen’s security situation. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and seek a political settlement, military threats and cross-border attacks continue to complicate attempts to achieve lasting peace.

For civilians in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the latest developments have revived fears of another cycle of violence. The coalition’s warning of a forceful response could further raise tensions in a region already facing multiple security challenges.