Saudi Coalition Accuses Houthis of Attacking Power Station in Madina

RIYADH: The Saudi-led coalition engaged in the conflict in Yemen reported on Thursday that the Houthi movement had launched an attack on a power distribution station in Madina earlier this week, resulting in one transformer being taken out of service, although the overall electricity network remained unaffected.

The coalition stated that an investigation, including an examination of drone wreckage, confirmed the Houthis’ involvement in the planning and execution of the attack, which occurred on Tuesday and supplies electricity to the revered Prophet’s Mosque. A military source from the Houthis, cited by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, dismissed the coalition’s claims as a fabrication, asserting it was a tactic to distract from Saudi Arabia’s inability to substantiate prior allegations regarding Houthi actions targeting Makkah.

This incident follows a recent claim by Saudi Arabia that it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone approaching Makkah, marking the second such attempt since 2017. The Houthis have consistently denied any intentions to target Makkah or other Islamic holy sites, raising concerns about the ongoing tensions and the potential for escalation in the region.

As investigations continue, the coalition has characterized the Madina attack as part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as further developments could impact regional stability and international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Yemen conflict.