Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks on civilian and economic sites in southern Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, wounding 73 people including women and children.

The strikes hit the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran near the Red Sea coast. Saudi Energy Ministry officials reported that several energy sector facilities and installations in the south were struck, sparking fires at multiple locations and forcing a temporary halt in some operations.

Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, condemned the attacks as dangerous and senseless. He said the coalition would take all necessary operational measures to confront the threats and deter the Houthi militia.

The Saudi foreign ministry strongly condemned the targeting of civilian and economic sites. Firefighting and emergency teams responded to contain the blazes and assess damage at the affected facilities.

The assaults mark a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict. The Houthis control much of northern Yemen and have intensified strikes on Saudi territory since declaring a naval blockade against the kingdom in July. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have conducted a recent counteroffensive against Houthi positions.

Saudi officials described the attacks as a threat to regional stability and global energy supplies. Brent crude futures rose about $1 per barrel following the reports.

The Houthis have not issued an immediate detailed statement but signaled plans for a broader announcement on their operations. Earlier exchanges included Houthi accusations of Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and Saudi claims of Houthi responsibility for prior incidents at Aramco facilities.

The renewed fighting adds pressure to ongoing efforts to stabilize the Middle East amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies.