Iran-backed Houthis join Mideast war in sharp escalation – POLITICO

Iran, meanwhile, fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Prince Sultan Air Base, injuring at least 15 U.S. troops, several of them seriously, the Associated Press reported, citing two people briefed on the incident.

The base — located roughly 96 kilometers from Riyadh and operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force with a U.S. presence — had already been targeted twice earlier this week. A previous strike wounded 14 American personnel, officials said, bringing the total number of injured U.S. troops at the facility to more than two dozen in recent days.

The attacks mark one of the most direct escalations against American forces since hostilities erupted late last month, underscoring the growing risk of a broader regional confrontation. Washington is sending additional forces into the region, while European capitals are stepping up efforts to contain the economic and security fallout.

In a video statement on Saturday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the rebels’ attacks targeted “sensitive Israeli military positions” and came after continued targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.” He indicated that strikes would continue.

Elsewhere in the region, drones struck the airport in Kuwait damaging its radar. And Iran’s military said it targeted a U.S. logistics vessel near the Omani port of Salalah.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi said falling debris from a missile interception injured six people. The United Arab Emirates said its forces were intercepting missile and drone attacks from Iran.