Saudi Arabia vowed to retaliate against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia after attacks injured 73 civilians in the south of the kingdom, according to Saudi authorities. The Saudi foreign ministry said the strikes hit four regions but did not specify timing. The attacks follow weeks of escalating tension and come amid the broader US-Iran conflict that has disrupted shipping routes.

Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group said Yemen was "sliding back toward large-scale war." The Houthis have vowed to attack Saudi energy infrastructure, and Brent crude touched $99 a barrel. Major General Turki Al-Maliki called the attacks "a dangerous escalation." Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the strikes were retaliatory, accusing Saudi Arabia of 121 airstrikes in Yemen over three days, including one on a prison. Saudi Arabia has not commented on those claims.

The Yemeni government assumed responsibility for at least some airstrikes. Saudi energy facilities experienced fires and temporary disruptions. Farea Al-Muslimi of Chatham House said Saudi avoidance of direct war was "becoming impossible." Ismaeel Naar contributed reporting from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.