Yemen rebels fire into Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s rebels fired rockets and mortars into Saudi Arabia Tuesday, killing at least two civilians and reportedly capturing five soldiers, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to warn it would strike back, The Daily Star reported, citing news agencies.
Saudi Arabia’s state airline canceled flights into the border area of Najran as schools closed early amid the attack, the first by Houthi rebels, to target a civilian area in the kingdom since the start of the airstrikes. Meanwhile, hundreds of families fled the southern Yemeni city of Aden after the Houthis advanced into their neighborhoods, firing indiscriminately as they took over surrounding, towering mountains.
In the Saudi region of Najran, the Houthi shelling killed two Saudi civilians and damaged buildings, Yemeni tribal leaders said. The state-run airline, Saudia, said flights to and from the area would be suspended until further notice, without elaborating. It is the only carrier flying to Najran.
The tribal leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, also said the Houthis captured five Saudi soldiers in unclear circumstances. Saudi state television reported local schools closed early and aired footage showing cars burnt, smoldering houses and debris covering nearby roads.
In a statement, Saudi Brig. Gen. Ahmad Asiri said Saudi-led coalition forces continue to respond to the Houthi attack.
“What happened today is part of the chaos that the Houthi militias live with,” he said, adding that “all options are open” to the kingdom to ensure its security.