Houthi missile and drone barrage on Saudi Arabia sparks Indian criticism

India’s Ministry of External Affairs sharply criticized the missile and drone barrage launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement against key Saudi Arabian locations. The ministry labeled the strikes on civilian populations and oil-processing facilities as “unacceptable” and warned that they erode the security framework of the Gulf. The coordinated attacks on Tuesday were attributed to the Iran-supported Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility for hitting several strategic points in Saudi Arabia’s south, leaving 73 people wounded. Saudi officials from the Energy Ministry confirmed that oil refineries and energy plants in the southern provinces were targeted, resulting in fires that forced temporary halts in operations. The Houthis also alleged an assault on a Saudi prison that killed eleven inmates, a claim that Saudi authorities have not confirmed. According to the rebels, the targets included Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Base, and the state oil company Aramco’s installations in Abha and Jizan. In response, Riyadh warned of a “strong retaliatory” move, citing the damage to oil infrastructure and the threat to regional stability. Clips posted on social media show blazing oil complexes after the drone impact, illustrating the scale of the devastation. Since the ceasefire collapse in July, this marks the most intense Houthi offensive, prompting Saudi Arabia to pledge any necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty. India’s condemnation underscores its apprehension that such aggression could destabilize the broader Middle-East environment and affect global energy markets.