Tehran. Amid increasing tension in West Asia, Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen have claimed to carry out drone attacks in southern Saudi Arabia. According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sari, Najran Airport and a facility belonging to Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco were targeted in these attacks. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of these claims from Saudi officials.
Claim of attack on Najran airport and Aramco facility
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarri said the organization carried out two attacks in Saudi Arabia using drones. He described Najran Airport as a sensitive military base of Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, it was also claimed that an Aramco facility located in Najran near the Yemen border was targeted.
However, no official information has been revealed about any damage or casualty of life or property in these attacks. The Houthis' claim was not immediately confirmed by Saudi officials.
Attack hours after Iran's warning
These claims of the Houthis came hours after the warning by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC warned that if the Houthis increase the scope of their attacks, it may be difficult for Saudi Arabia to control them.
In such a situation, the latest attack by Houthis is being seen as a sign of further increase in regional tension. The conflict in Yemen is already linked to the broader crisis in West Asia.
Increasing attacks on Saudi targets
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has again intensified as regional tensions increase amid the long-running conflict in Yemen. The Houthis have been accused of targeting ships, airports and oil installations linked to Saudi Arabia.
After recent developments, concerns have increased regarding the security of Saudi Arabia and its important energy installations. If the series of drone attacks continues, it could further increase military tensions in the entire region.
Concern also increased regarding Bab al-Mandeb
There is also growing concern about the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait due to the activities of the Houthis. Bab al-Mandeb is a very important sea route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Any kind of military tension here can affect global trade and maritime transport.
According to reports, the Houthis are preparing to increase their influence from the controlled areas towards the south. If this happens, the security risks on this important sea route may increase further.
Increasing conflict in West Asia
The alleged drone strikes in Saudi Arabia come at a time when tensions between Iran, the Houthis and other parties in the region are rising. Iran's warning and the Houthis' claim of attack just hours later indicate that the scope of the regional conflict could become wider.
At present the biggest question is what is the reality of these attacks and how much damage has been caused and how does Saudi Arabia respond to these incidents. In the coming days, it may impact the Yemen conflict as well as the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf region.