Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a wave of attacks early Tuesday against cities and energy infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia, wounding at least 73 people and setting fire to multiple oil facilities and utilities. The strikes hit civilian and economic targets across four cities — Abha, Jazan, Najran and Khamis Mushait — temporarily halting operations at affected installations, according to the Saudi Energy Ministry. Saudi coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki confirmed the wounded included women and children.

Al-Malki, who also holds the rank of colonel in coalition statements, pledged that the Saudi-led coalition would 'take all necessary operational measures to deter this terrorist militia.' The Houthis, who control Yemen's most populous northern regions, have been launching attacks toward Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July and have also targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Tuesday's strikes followed warnings from Iranian officials that energy assets across the Gulf, including U.S. oil and gas interests, remained vulnerable.

The attacks sent oil prices to six-week highs, compounding existing pressure on global energy markets stemming from disruptions to shipping through both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Before the current conflict, roughly one-fifth of all global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments transited the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has separately announced plans to establish a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf, with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warning that vessels entering the zone would face Iranian sanctions.

The escalation marks a significant widening of a conflict that has moved through repeated pauses and renewals since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, targeting Tehran's nuclear program and its support for regional proxy forces. The Houthi offensive also threatens to further strain the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and trade that has partially offset disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Commodity vessel movements slowed again this week as the cumulative effect of regional instability continued to weigh on shipping and supply expectations.