Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia

Live updates

1. 13h ago

   Houthis Seize Red Sea Coastline as Saudi Pipeline Remains Shut

   Iran-backed Houthis have captured significant portions of Yemen's Red Sea coastline during a fast offensive. These forces have pushed back Saudi-backed troops to gain control over strategic zones near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Separately, an attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq has forced the shutdown of a critical Saudi pipeline for several weeks. These developments intensify pressure on Riyadh following a drone interception near Mecca and expanded fighting across the Gulf region.

   Why it matters

   The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a primary global shipping route. These military gains follow a Saudi declaration that the security of Islam's holy sites is a red line. Saudi Arabia is currently seeking support from Egypt and relying on the Makkah Defence Alliance.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Houthis have seized large parts of Yemen's Red Sea coastline near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
   • Iranian-backed militias in Iraq attacked a crucial Saudi pipeline, leaving it shut for weeks.
   • The US may not back Saudi Arabia in Yemen following meetings with Houthi leaders.

   What to watch next

   • US confirmation of its support status for Saudi Arabia in Yemen
   • Reports on the operational status of the shut Saudi pipeline
   • Movement of Houthi forces within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.military.com — Saudi Arabia Calls Attempted Attack on Mecca a ‘Red Line’ as Iran-Backed Houthis Deny They Did It
   2. news24online.com — US to not back Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders? New report makes big claim, here’s what we know
   confidence 60%
2. 1d ago

   Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone Near Mecca as Regional Tensions Rise

   Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca before it entered restricted airspace. Riyadh declared the security of Islam's holy sites a red line. These attacks coincide with expanded fighting across Yemen, Iran, and the Gulf, prompting the Saudi crown prince to seek backing from Egypt. The escalation has delayed meetings between Iran and Gulf Arab nations regarding a temporary shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz and tests the Makkah Defence Alliance, a mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

   Why it matters

   A ceasefire established in 2022 failed to end the war in Yemen, according to professor Shireen Al-Adeimi. The current instability threatens critical Red Sea oil routes and shipping security. The Makkah Defence Alliance operates on a NATO-style principle where an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all three.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca before it entered restricted airspace.
   • Fighting is intensifying across Yemen, Iran, and the Gulf.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Saudi crown prince is seeking backing from Egypt.
   • Iran-Gulf talks over a Strait of Hormuz shipping lane were postponed.
   • The Makkah Defence Alliance consists of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from Iran regarding the postponed Gulf talks
   • Activation of Makkah Defence Alliance mutual defense clauses
   • Confirmation of Egyptian military or diplomatic support for Saudi Arabia
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.democracynow.org — Is Yemen Heading Back to All-Out War? Saudis Launch Strikes as Houthis Take Control of Red Sea Coast
   2. truthout.org — Broken Ceasefire Between Saudi Arabia and Houthis Could Renew Full War in Yemen
   3. www.postguam.com — Iran-Gulf talks delayed as Saudi Arabia counters Houthi attacks
   4. www.yahoo.com — The New ‘Mecca Alliance’ Warns Iran Over Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
   5. sundayguardianlive.com — US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: ‘Red Line’ – Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone Near Mecca Before It Enters Restricted Airspace, Warns of Deterrent Action
   6. www.huffpost.com — Saudi Seeks Egypt’s Backing As Houthi Attacks Rattle Red Sea Oil Routes
   7. sundayguardianlive.com — US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Drone Near Mecca as Yemen Fighting Intensifies, US Conflict Costs Reaches $38bn
   confidence 80%
3. 3d ago

   Houthis Claim Saudi Base Attack As Yemen Advance Intensifies

   Iran-backed Houthi militia forces in Yemen announced missile and drone strikes targeting a base in southern Saudi Arabia. The claimed attacks coincide with an escalating military advance by the rebels along Yemen's Red Sea coast against government forces. The territorial gains and strikes are heightening regional tensions and fueling concerns over the security of commercial shipping through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Meanwhile, the renewed violence places diplomatic pressure on regional mediators such as Pakistan to handle the widening rift.

   Why it matters

   The Houthi movement's push along the Red Sea coast threatens vital international maritime corridors and tests regional defense frameworks. Observers are questioning whether the escalation might activate regional security agreements like the Mecca Pact. The renewed fighting also risks unraveling fragile ceasefires and dragging neighboring powers deeper into the protracted conflict.

   What is confirmed

   • The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen claimed responsibility for renewed drone and missile attacks on a base in southern Saudi Arabia.
   • Fighting has intensified along Yemen's Red Sea coast as Houthi rebels advance and Yemeni government forces vow to retake key captured positions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Regional mediators such as Pakistan are facing intense pressure to choose a side amid the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis.
   • Analysts are questioning whether the ongoing Houthi attacks will activate the Mecca Pact.

   What to watch next

   • Any formal military response or interception confirmation from Saudi authorities regarding the claimed base attack.
   • Developments concerning the activation of the Mecca Pact or diplomatic stances from regional mediators like Pakistan.
   • Further territorial shifts along Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. reuters.com — As Saudi tensions with Iran-backed Houthis escalate, mediator Pakistan faces pressure to choose a side
   2. Al Jazeera — Will the Houthi attacks activate the Mecca Pact?
   3. timesofisrael.com — Yemen’s Houthis announce drone and missile attack on base in southern Saudi Arabia
   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. The Independent — Iran latest: Houthis claim attack on Saudi base as advance intensifies
   7. www.outlookindia.com — Houthis Advance Towards Bab el-Mandeb, Claim New Attacks On Saudi Arabia: Why It Matters
   8. www.nationalheraldindia.com — Houthis claim fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia, advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast
   9. www.yahoo.com — Houthis claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia, advance on Bab al-Mandab
   10. www.greaterkashmir.com — Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia
   11. www.mid-day.com — Iran-backed Houthis claim attack on Saudi base as Yemen rebels advance along Red Sea
   confidence 100%