Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Response After Houthi Missile and Drone Attacks Wound 13 Civilians in Three Southern Cities on September 14-15

Houthi missile and drone attacks on three Saudi cities wounded 13 civilians and damaged seven homes and two vehicles on Monday September 14 into early Tuesday September 15, according to Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen. The attacks targeted civilian areas in Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, all in Saudi Arabia's southern region, causing minor to moderate injuries. The coalition said early Tuesday it would respond firmly to the attacks, which coalition spokesperson al-Maliki condemned as heinous and deliberate attacks on civilians. On Monday evening, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed Saudi Arabia launched 54 air strikes across Yemen over the previous 24 hours, using F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets operating from bases in Khamis Mushait and Taif, hitting areas in Taiz, Lahj, Al Jawf, Marib, and Hajjah. Houthi-aligned media reported that the Saudi strikes killed three civilians, including two children, in Taiz province. Saudi authorities have not commented publicly on the Houthi claims. On Tuesday morning, Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts for Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, Abha, Jazan, and AlUla, urging residents to remain indoors, stay away from windows and rooftops, and follow official instructions. Authorities later said the danger had passed in most areas. The escalation follows the Houthis' seizure last week of strategic points along Yemen's Red Sea coast near Bab al-Mandeb, the strait that has become vital as the wider US-Iran war chokes the Strait of Hormuz.