At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities

At least 73 civilians have been injured after Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked a number of civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia's southern region on Tuesday, state media confirmed.

In a statement posted on Saudi Press agency, a senior Saudi official said the attacks targetted the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran.

The official called the attacks a "dangerous escalation" that constitutes "a blatant violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and safety of its citizens and residents".

He added Saudi Arabia reserved its right to "respond to the threats" to protect its sovereignty, national assets, and safety of its citizens and residents.  

In an earlier update, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said the attacks caused fires at several sites and temporarily halted operations.