A projectile launched by Houthi rebels struck the southern Jazan region of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, injuring two people and causing structural damage to a mosque and several buildings. Local officials confirmed that the projectile landed in the al-Tuwal governorate, destroying multiple vehicles in the process. A spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defence characterized the strike on civilian infrastructure as a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” and stated that emergency protocols were immediately enacted.
While Houthi forces claimed their objective was a military installation located in Sharurah within the Najran province, the recent attack follows a period of heightened hostilities. Saudi authorities also issued a temporary alert for the Khamis Mushait governorate, which has since been lifted as the immediate danger passed.
This strike occurs during a rapid escalation of the long-standing conflict in Yemen, which saw a surge in violence following the end of a four-year period of relative stability. On Tuesday alone, Houthi attacks against civilian and economic targets in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran resulted in 73 injuries, including women and children. The conflict has further intensified as Houthi fighters have secured control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including the key port city of Mocha, while government forces have initiated new military operations in al-Bayda, Marib, and al-Jawf.
The human cost of this renewed fighting has been significant, with the International Organization for Migration and local authorities reporting more than 500 fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents. The situation remains a major focus for the international community, as the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session earlier this month. During those proceedings, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned that the region is currently entering “a new and more dangerous phase of war.” The report also notes that the Iran-backed Houthis have launched missile and drone strikes on southern Saudi Arabia in recent days.