Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Sites as Yemen Government Vows Offensive

Houthi rebels launched fresh strikes on Saudi oil sites, including Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the eastern Khurais area, according to Yahya Saree, the group's military spokesman. Saree claimed the attacks were precise and caused significant fires.

The strikes coincide with Yemen's internationally recognized government announcing a new military operation to reclaim territory held by the Iran-backed Houthis. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's presidential council, declared the start of operations aimed at extending state authority across the entire country and called on the armed forces to liberate Yemen from the "Houthi terrorist militia."

The announcement comes as the Houthis have made gains, encircling the government-held city of Taiz by cutting a vital supply route linking it to the interim capital, Aden. Security and military sources confirmed the Houthi control over the al-Safiya area, halting traffic along the main road and effectively surrounding the city.

This development follows a period where the Houthis have seized significant territory along the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Yemeni government, despite military support from Saudi Arabia, has struggled to repel these advances. Experts view the Houthi objective of isolating Taiz from Aden as militarily achieved, even if the city remains under government control.

Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, expressed skepticism about the potential success of the upcoming government offensive, deeming it potentially "meaningless."

The renewed fighting has exacerbated Yemen's humanitarian crisis, with the World Food Programme warning that three-quarters of the population struggles to meet basic food needs. Recent clashes around Taiz have resulted in numerous casualties, with Houthi sources reporting 55 fighters killed and government sources reporting 26 troops dead.

The Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure come amid global concerns over rising energy prices, amplified by tensions in the Middle East. Experts suggest these strikes could lead to further spikes in global energy prices, which have already seen significant increases in petrol, diesel, and natural gas.

This Houthi action followed closely after the G7 nations announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil reserves to ease surging fuel prices.

In retaliation for the Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets within Yemen, including in Sanaa and Saada governorates. The Yemeni government's air capabilities are limited, and the Saudi-led coalition has been the primary force conducting airstrikes.

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, from the Saudi-backed government. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015.

Amid the escalating conflict, Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought assistance from the United States. US media reported that top administration officials met to discuss Yemen and the Iran conflict, though the meeting was not officially announced.