**Title: Saudi-led Coalition Accuses Houthis of Attacking Power Station in Medina**
On Thursday, the Saudi-led coalition engaged in military operations against Yemen’s Houthi movement announced that the Iran-aligned group had launched an attack on a power distribution station in Medina, which is responsible for supplying electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the most revered sites in Islam. According to the coalition's statement, the attack resulted in one transformer being put out of service; however, it did not disrupt the overall power network.
In response, a military source from the Houthi side, as reported by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, denied the coalition's claims regarding the attack. The Houthis later reported that Saudi airstrikes targeted the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and other regions within Yemen, although there was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities regarding these strikes.
A spokesperson for Yemen’s armed forces, which are aligned with the internationally recognized government, stated that coalition forces had targeted what they described as “high-value targets” in Sanaa, but did not provide further specifics about the operations.
This incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, representing the most serious clashes since a UN-brokered truce had largely curtailed cross-border attacks in 2022. The truce began to unravel this year when the Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in July, subsequently launching attacks on Saudi territory and shipping routes. Additionally, Houthi forces have made substantial territorial gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast.
In its statement, the Saudi-led coalition asserted that an investigation into the wreckage of drones confirmed Houthi involvement in planning and executing the attack on the Medina power station. The coalition characterized this attack as part of a broader pattern of Houthi attempts to target the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, which they claim is intended to provoke Muslims around the world. The coalition vowed to continue its efforts to protect these holy sites and the pilgrims who visit them.
The tensions have been further exacerbated by previous incidents, including a claim by Saudi Arabia two weeks ago that it had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that was approaching restricted airspace over Mecca. The coalition described this incident as the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca since 2017. The Houthis have consistently denied any intentions to strike Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.
In addition to the Medina attack, the coalition reported that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Khamis Mushait, a city in southern Saudi Arabia. Details regarding any potential damage or casualties from this incident have not been disclosed.
Local officials reported early on Friday that the Houthis had also targeted the headquarters of the Saudi-led coalition forces command in Aden with several ballistic missiles and drones. As of now, there has been no immediate comment from either the coalition or the Houthi movement regarding these latest developments.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has persisted for several years, has led to a humanitarian crisis that has drawn international concern. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in military actions that threaten to escalate tensions further in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, particularly given the significance of the targeted sites in Medina and Mecca for Muslims worldwide.