At least 73 people have been injured in a series of Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
Women and children are among those injured, Saudi authorities said. The attacks targeted the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.
The coalition said the Houthis targeted civilian and economic facilities. The attacks also caused fires and disrupted operations at several energy facilities, according to Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia vows a strong response
The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attacks and said it would respond firmly.
Saudi authorities described the attacks as a serious escalation. They said the government would take measures to protect civilians, economic facilities and national security.
The latest violence comes as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has intensified in Yemen.
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen since 2014. Recent clashes have raised fears that the conflict could enter another major phase.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain close contact
The latest escalation comes shortly after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held high-level diplomatic talks.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. They also agreed to remain in close contact as the regional situation continues to change.
Pakistan has continued diplomatic engagement with regional partners amid the wider Middle East crisis.
The latest Saudi-Houthi escalation could add further pressure to regional efforts aimed at containing the conflict and preventing a wider confrontation.
