Houthi rebels say they launched missiles, drones at Saudi Arabia after airstrikes

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said Saturday they launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia, describing the attack as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on the key Red Sea port city of Hodeida. 

The exchange represents another escalation in tensions over critical Middle East shipping lanes as the United States and Iran continue to compete for influence around the Strait of Hormuz.

In a prerecorded statement, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the group targeted Aramco facilities in the Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan. Aramco is the world’s largest oil company.

Saudi Arabia’s civil defense said warning sirens sounded several times early Saturday in both Yanbu and Jizan