India has condemned attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabian oil and civilian facilities, which injured 73 people, as the country expressed concern over the impact on regional security. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that such attacks undermine stability and threaten freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, prompting fears of further escalation in the Middle East.

The Houthi attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabian cities including Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait. The strikes came hours after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting an air strike on a prison in Yemen’s northern Jawf province, which killed at least seven people, including a child, and injured seven others. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has resulted in at least 150,000 deaths, according to UN estimates, and has pushed the country to the brink of famine.

The Saudi-led coalition, which included the United Arab Emirates, intervened in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government to power. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE escalated earlier this year, leading to the UAE’s withdrawal from the conflict. The Houthis, a Yemen-based rebel group, seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, forcing the government into exile. The current conflict has seen repeated accusations of civilian casualties and attacks on infrastructure, with both sides blaming the other for escalating violence.

The US has intensified economic sanctions against Iran, which is believed to be backing the Houthis. The attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised concerns about the potential for further regional instability, particularly given the strategic importance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The strikes also highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the war has caused widespread suffering and displacement.

The Indian government’s condemnation of the attacks reflects its broader concerns about regional security and the impact of proxy conflicts on global stability. The ministry’s statement emphasized the need for de-escalation and adherence to international law. However, the lack of a response from the Houthis leaves the situation without a clear counter-narrative. The conflict in Yemen continues to be a major source of regional instability, with no immediate signs of a resolution.

What remains unknown is the full extent of the damage caused by the Houthi strikes and the long-term implications for regional security. The humanitarian impact of the conflict in Yemen, including the potential for further famine, remains a critical concern. The absence of a clear response from the Houthis and the lack of independent verification of casualty figures also limit the ability to fully assess the situation. The international community continues to call for a political resolution to the conflict, but the path to peace remains uncertain.