An alliance led by Saudi Arabia announced that Iran-backed Houthis targeted the cities of Khmeis Mushait, Abha and Jazan on Wednesday, 18 Shahrivar, with ballistic missiles and drones.

Turkey al-Maliki, the spokesman of the alliance, said in a statement on the social media platform X that the Houthis continue their attacks against infrastructure and facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Maliki added that, in order to protect the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, its facilities and civilians, the alliance will respond “responsibly” to these attacks, and any action will be taken within the framework of the right to self-defense and international laws.

The attacks came amid further escalation of clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The alliance led by Saudi Arabia had previously announced that the Houthis’ attacks on Abha, Khmeis Mushait, Jazan and Najran had left at least 73 people injured.

At the same time, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia, via Pakistan, has asked the Islamic Republic to use its influence to stop the Houthis’ attacks. An Iranian senior official said Tehran, in response, said it does not control the Houthis.