A Houthi attack on southern Saudi Arabia wounded 11 civilians, including a four-year-old child, as Riyadh warned that intelligence suggests more coordinated attacks by Iran-backed groups could be imminent.
Saudi military coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki said the shelling targeted Najran Province, injuring seven Saudi citizens, one Yemeni, two Egyptians and one Pakistani national. The child reportedly suffered second-degree burns.
Saudi Arabia accused the Iran-backed Houthi movement of indiscriminately targeting civilian areas in violation of international humanitarian law and vowed to continue taking all necessary measures to protect civilians.
The Houthis and Iran did not immediately comment on the allegations.
Saudi warns of coordinated attacks
A senior Saudi official, speaking anonymously, said intelligence shared with the United States and regional allies indicates the Houthis and Iran-backed Iraqi militias may soon launch coordinated attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure.
Potential targets include energy facilities, ports and airports, according to the official.
Saudi authorities believe the reported plans could be aimed at disrupting ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions with Iran.
Security cooperation expands
Amid rising security concerns, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are expected to sign a defence agreement in Riyadh on Friday, according to regional sources.
The details of the agreement have not been disclosed. Saudi Arabia already maintains a defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the kingdom on Thursday, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to arrive on Friday.
Regional tensions remain high
The attack comes as Saudi Arabia's long-running conflict with the Houthis becomes increasingly tied to broader regional tensions involving Iran.
The Houthis recently claimed responsibility for an attack on Najran airport and have continued targeting Saudi military positions, infrastructure and shipping routes.
Last month, Saudi Arabia said it carried out joint strikes with U.S. Central Command against Iran-backed groups in Iraq after accusing them of launching drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
