Fighting in Yemen intensifies, and Houthis launch more attacks on Saudi Arabia

Live updates

1. 21h ago

   Houthis Attack Saudi Military Base as Regional Diplomacy Stalls

   Iran-backed Houthi forces have launched drone and missile attacks on a Saudi military base in southern Saudi Arabia amid intensified fighting with Yemeni government forces. While the Houthis claim Saudi Arabia conducted 58 strikes within 24 hours, Riyadh is managing separate threats, including drone strikes from Iraq targeting its East-West pipeline. Regional tensions have disrupted diplomacy, leading Gulf states to postpone a meeting with Iran regarding a proposal for the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Yemen government forces are advancing in Taiz and fuel shortages are hindering migrants fleeing to Djibouti.

   Why it matters

   The conflict involves a power struggle between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia has intervened to prevent Houthi control of Yemen, leading to a protracted war of attrition and frequent cross-border strikes. The instability threatens critical energy infrastructure and global shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

   What is confirmed

   • Houthis claim they attacked a Saudi military base in southern Saudi Arabia.
   • Gulf states postponed a meeting with Iran regarding a proposal for the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Yemen government forces are advancing in Taiz.
   • Saudi Civil Defense issued overnight alerts in southern cities due to Houthi attacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pakistan is facing pressure to choose a side between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Saudi Arabia retaliates for the East-West pipeline strike.
   • The outcome of the Yemeni government forces' advance in Taiz.
   • Rescheduling of the Gulf states and Iran meeting on the Strait of Hormuz.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. reuters.com — As Saudi tensions with Iran-backed Houthis escalate, mediator Pakistan faces pressure to choose a side
   2. reuters.com — Saudi Arabia says drones launched from Iraq hit East-West pipeline, holds off on retaliation
   3. Al Jazeera — Will the Houthi attacks activate the Mecca Pact?
   4. theguardian.com — Houthis claim attack on Saudi base as fighting flares with Yemeni forces
   5. AP News — Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia
   6. France 24 — Middle East live: Houthis say hit Saudi base after renewed fighting with Yemeni forces
   7. Reuters — Diplomacy stumbles with postponement of meeting on Strait of Hormuz proposal
   8. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Oman says Hormuz talks with Iran, Gulf states postponed
   9. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US-Iran War Live Updates: 'In interests of consesus' - Iran's regional meeting with Gulf states postponed
   10. timesofisrael.com — Saudi Civil Defense issues several alerts overnight in southern cities amid Houthi attacks
   11. NDTV — Saudi Arabia Launched 58 Strikes In 24 Hours Amid Rising Conflict: Houthis
   12. Al Jazeera — Yemen gov’t forces advance in Taiz as Houthis claim attack on Saudi Arabia
   confidence 90%