Fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen has escalated, according to Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia has promised firm retaliation after Houthi strikes reportedly injured 73 people and disrupted energy facilities in southern cities. The report examines what happened in the latest confrontation and what may come next, as tensions threaten to deepen the long-running conflict linked to Yemen's civil war.

A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have wounded 73 civilians. According to the official, the Houthis targeted civilian sites in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, attributes the casualty figures and the claims about the locations struck to the coalition spokesperson, and no independent confirmation of the figures was provided in the report.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have launched drone strikes targeting four Saudi cities, according to Legit.ng, igniting oil installations and releasing video of the attacks. The escalation comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf and a broader Middle East conflict, pushing Brent crude prices above $99 per barrel. Saudi Arabia, described as a top United States ally, has faced repeated Houthi attacks on its energy infrastructure in past years. The reported strikes signal a further intensification of regional hostilities.

Fighting is ongoing in Yemen between Houthi forces and troops loyal to the internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government, according to Al Jazeera. Government-aligned forces have vowed to seize the capital, Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control, as battles intensify. The escalation marks a renewed push in the long-running conflict that has divided the country and drawn in regional powers.

The article addresses claims made by Redwan Hussein and Getachew Reda regarding Ethiopia's involvement in conflict, asserting that Ethiopia is not being 'dragged into war.' It aims to clarify and counter what it describes as misleading statements in their opinion piece, focusing on the current political and security situation in the country.

Houthi rebels in Yemen accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an airstrike on a prison in the northern city of Hazm in Jawf province, killing seven people, including a child, according to the group. The strike on the Central Corrective Facility reportedly wounded at least seven others, including a woman. The accusation comes amid escalating tensions between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces.