Houthis strike Saudi targets anew as talks over Strait of Hormuz stall
Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring 13 civilians across three cities. The strikes triggered alerts in six cities, including Yanbu, though Saudi civil defence later stated the danger had passed. Riyadh has vowed to react "firmly" and declared the city of Mecca a "red line" after accusing the group of attempting to attack the holy city. Meanwhile, Houthi forces are consolidating positions on Yemen's western Red Sea coast as Gulf-Iran talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz have been postponed.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities injured 13 civilians.
- ✓ Alerts were triggered in six Saudi cities, including Yanbu, before civil defence announced the danger had passed.
- ✓ Saudi Arabia has warned it will react "firmly" to Houthi attacks.
- ✓ Talks between Gulf states and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have stalled or been postponed.
What changed
Houthi rebels launched attacks on three Saudi cities and advanced positions along the Red Sea coast while diplomatic talks stalled.
Live updates
-
Houthis strike Saudi targets as Strait of Hormuz talks stall
Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring 13 civilians across three cities. The strikes triggered alerts in six cities, including Yanbu, though Saudi civil defence later stated the danger had passed. Riyadh has vowed to react "firmly" and declared the city of Mecca a "red line" after accusing the group of attempting to attack the holy city. Meanwhile, Houthi forces are consolidating positions on Yemen's western Red Sea coast as Gulf-Iran talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz have been postponed.
Why it matters
The escalation follows a lightning advance by Houthi forces in Yemen. These attacks coincide with stalled diplomatic efforts between Iran and Gulf states over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
What is confirmed
- Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities injured 13 civilians.
- Alerts were triggered in six Saudi cities, including Yanbu, before civil defence announced the danger had passed.
- Saudi Arabia has warned it will react "firmly" to Houthi attacks.
- Talks between Gulf states and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have stalled or been postponed.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi forces are digging into positions on the western coast of Yemen along the Red Sea.
What to watch next
- Saudi Arabia's specific military or diplomatic response to the Red Sea coastal advances.
- Rescheduling of the postponed Gulf-Iran talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Activation of the Mecca Pact in response to Houthi strikes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- Al Jazeera — Will the Houthi attacks activate the Mecca Pact?
- theguardian.com — Houthis claim attack on Saudi base as fighting flares with Yemeni forces
- AP News — Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia
- yahoo.com — Houthis say Saudi Arabia hits Yemen with 54 strikes after attack on bases
- Reuters — Houthis strike Saudi targets anew as talks over Strait of Hormuz stall
- The Times of Israel — Saudi-led coalition says 13 civilians injured in Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities
- Al Jazeera — Iran war live: CENTCOM disputes IRGC claim supertanker struck by Hormuz nav
- UnionLeader.com — Houthis attack Saudi Arabia as Gulf-Iran talks are postponed
- Arab News — 13 civilians in Saudi Arabia injured after Houthi attacks, alerts for several cities across Kingdom
- The Times of Israel — Saudi Arabia says danger has passed after apparent Houthi attacks trigger alerts in 6 cities
- Reuters — Saudi civil defence says danger has passed in six cities including Yanbu
- The Times of Israel — Saudi Arabia warns it will react ‘firmly’ to Houthi attacks
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community