U.S. Issues Sharp Warning to Houthis Amid Escalation in Yemen

WASHINGTON – The United States on Wednesday blamed the Houthi movement for the latest military escalation in Yemen and the wider region, reaffirming the Yemeni government’s right to defend its citizens and eliminate the group’s capacity to carry out what Washington described as terrorist activities, while also backing Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its territory and population.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy to Yemen said that “the Houthis started this conflict and must bear the consequences of their aggression,” reflecting a tougher American stance as fighting intensifies across multiple fronts in Yemen and following recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The embassy stressed that the Government of the Republic of Yemen remains the country’s sole legitimate authority and has the full right to defend its people and work to end the Houthis’ ability to conduct acts of terrorism.

Washington also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory and citizens, while supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government in its efforts to confront the Houthi group.

The statement comes as military confrontations escalate on several battlefronts inside Yemen, alongside renewed cross-border attacks claimed by the Houthis against Saudi targets.

Dozens Injured in Saudi Arabia

The latest escalation follows Houthi attacks targeting cities and energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, which reportedly left 73 people injured, including women and children. The attacks also triggered fires and caused temporary disruptions to operations at some facilities.

Saudi authorities condemned the strikes and reiterated the kingdom’s right to respond and defend its territory. The Houthis, meanwhile, said their attacks were carried out in retaliation for airstrikes targeting locations inside Yemen.