Saudi Arabia says two of its airports were attacked amid a major escalation with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said airports in Najran and Jizan were hit, damaging both facilities and leaving three people lightly injured. The attacks came after the Houthis announced that they had launched missiles and drones towards Saudi Arabia, claiming to have targeted oil facilities, airports and military bases. Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree later said the group had also fired towards Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Associated Press said it could not independently confirm whether Abha airport was hit.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a major offensive against Iran-backed Houthi forces, with strategic areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait coming under intense military pressure. Government troops and tanks have reportedly pushed into Houthi-held positions as forces move to reclaim key territory in western Yemen. The advance includes the reported recapture of Dhubab, a strategically important town just north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The operation puts renewed focus on one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, where control of the surrounding territory has major implications for shipping, regional security and the wider Saudi-Iran power struggle. The offensive is being backed by heavy air support, with reports pointing to around 100 fighter jets striking Houthi positions and providing cover for advancing Yemeni government forces. Coalition forces are also reported to have targeted hundreds of Houthi positions as the battle intensifies across strategic areas near the Red Sea.