Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Escalate

Fighting in Yemen has intensified, with Houthi forces reportedly capturing the Red Sea port of Mokha and nearby strategic territory as government-aligned forces counterattack in Taiz and along the coast. Houthi drone and ballistic-missile attacks on Saudi cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif reportedly injured 13 civilians and damaged homes and vehicles, while temporary danger alerts were issued for areas including Jeddah, Mecca and Yanbu; the claims have not been independently verified. Saudi Arabia has vowed a firm response, conducted extensive airstrikes in Yemen and discussed the escalation with U.S. Central Command, while the United States is providing intelligence, geospatial targeting assistance and battlefield information, with more than 100 advisers reportedly deployed. The Houthis claimed Saudi strikes on several Yemeni provinces, and Houthi-affiliated outlets reported civilian casualties, though Saudi Arabia has not publicly confirmed those strikes; Yemen’s internationally recognized government condemned the attacks and called for international action. The escalation is raising concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb shipping chokepoint and Saudi oil exports amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, reported damage to the East-West pipeline and oil prices above $100 a barrel; India also condemned attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure and economic assets. Houthi mobilization toward Marib remains possible, while the conflict has displaced more than 100,000 people, worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and threatened regional stability as Saudi Arabia weighs military deterrence against another prolonged intervention.