Kathmandu— Yemen's Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi-backed government forces in the port city of Mokha on Sunday, asserting the attacks were a response to Saudi “aggression” and the ongoing siege of Yemen. The escalation follows intensified fighting last week and raises concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies amid existing regional instability. Yemeni government media reported that seven civilians were killed and approximately 35 injured in the strikes, while the Houthis also targeted facilities within Saudi Arabia itself.

Escalating Hostilities

Fighting in Yemen has intensified recently, with the Houthis launching coordinated attacks on government troops last Thursday resulting in up to 60 casualties. The group subsequently declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and began targeting ships in the Red Sea. These actions mark a significant increase in hostilities since a UN-mediated truce expired in October 2022, after having initially brought a period of decreased fighting beginning in April of that year.

Houthi Justification for Attacks

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the latest barrage was a direct response to the mobilization of government troops in Mokha and what he described as the continued “unjust siege” of Yemen by Saudi Arabia. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti demanded that Riyadh end “the occupation and blockade” of Yemen, stating that the group has established an equation of ‘aggression for aggression, and blockade for blockade.’ He also cited violations of Yemeni airspace over Saada and Hajjah as justification for striking a facility belonging to Saudi state oil company Aramco in Jazan province.

Regional Implications

The attacks come at a time of heightened regional tensions following recent US actions against Iran, including strikes on Tehran that resulted in the death of its supreme leader. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict with Iran has prompted fears of further disruptions to global energy supplies. The UN Security Council has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial ships, as well as unauthorized aircraft landings in areas not under government control.

The current round of hostilities began on July 13th following a bombing by government forces at Sanaa airport aimed at preventing an Iranian plane from landing. The situation remains volatile with no immediate indication of de-escalation.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.