Yemen War Escalates as Houthis Attack Saudi Targets
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks against Saudi military targets, as fighting intensifies in the country and Iran rejects allegations that it is directing the renewed conflict. The Houthis said their latest operation targeted military facilities at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, including aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways and ammunition storage areas. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said the strikes were carried out in response to Saudi air operations in Yemen, which he claimed had exceeded 300 attacks over five days. Saudi authorities issued alerts in areas including Khamis Mushait and Abha following the reported attacks. The renewed escalation comes after the Houthis made significant advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, increasing concerns over regional security and the movement of energy supplies.
Iran, which has long supported the Houthis, has rejected claims that it is directly involved in the renewed fighting. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the Houthis act independently and make decisions based on their own interests. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces have reported regaining positions in the southwestern Taiz province and carrying out operations against Houthi fighters. The latest escalation comes amid wider tensions in the Middle East, including disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and the postponement of planned talks between Gulf countries and Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also met the commander of the United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, in Jeddah on Monday to discuss developments in the region. The conflict has also triggered fresh displacement, with the UN migration agency reporting that tens of thousands of Yemenis have been forced from their homes since the renewed fighting began.
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