Saudi Arabia strikes back after Houthis hit oil sites in heaviest attack in years

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Houthis Seize Yemen Coast as Saudi Arabia Urges UNSC Action

   Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and three strategic islands during a lightning offensive, securing the Bab al-Mandab Strait shipping corridor. Government officials confirmed the week-long offensive left hundreds dead. In response to the territorial loss, Saudi Arabia is urging United Nations Security Council action as Houthi forces vow further escalation. The Yemeni government conceded a painful defeat and vowed to send more forces to the Red Sea coast after losing the port city of Mokha.

   Why it matters

   The territorial takeover directly threatens vital global shipping and narrows export alternatives for Saudi Arabia as the kingdom struggles with pipeline strikes and regional chokepoint pressures. The escalation follows a heavy wave of Houthi strikes against Saudi oil sites and cities that wounded scores and drove up oil prices. Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation.

   What is confirmed

   • The Iran-backed Houthis seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands.
   • Government officials stated that the offensive left hundreds dead and gave the Houthis control of the Yemeni side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
   • Saudi Arabia urged United Nations Security Council action following the takeover of the Bab al-Mandab shipping lane.
   • The Yemeni government conceded a painful defeat after Houthis captured the port city of Mokha.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pakistan reaffirmed support for sincere efforts aimed at de-escalation.
   • The Yemeni government vowed to send more forces to the Red Sea coast.

   What to watch next

   • Any formal resolution or action taken by the United Nations Security Council.
   • Deployment of additional Yemeni government forces to the Red Sea coast.
   • Further Houthi escalation or shipping disruptions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.nzherald.co.nz — Houthis take over Yemen’s Red Sea coast, a vital route for global shipping
   2. www.khaleejtimes.com — Yemen's Houthis take over entire Red Sea coast, cement hold on vital shipping corridor
   3. www.nation.com.pk — Saudi Arabia urges UNSC action as Houthis seize Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast
   4. www.nbcnews.com — Hormuz, Houthis and pipeline strikes: Saudi Arabia’s list of big problems is growing
   5. www.pbs.org — Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia
   confidence 95%
2. 6d ago

   Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation After Heavy Houthi Attacks

   Saudi Arabia has vowed retaliation after Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched their heaviest attack in years against oil sites and cities within the kingdom, wounding scores of people and significantly escalating the regional conflict. The sudden bombardment triggered supply-disruption fears, causing oil prices to rise and threatening a second major oil chokepoint. In response to the assaults, Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes against the rebels in Yemen, where fierce battles continue to rage. Meanwhile, Iran issued new threats to the United States involving economic warfare and missiles.

   Why it matters

   The recent escalation threatens energy markets and trade routes vital to global consumers. The conflict draws in regional and international powers, pitting Saudi-backed forces against Iran-backed militant networks in Yemen. The security situation remains volatile as military alerts fluctuate across southern Saudi cities.

   What is confirmed

   • Iran-backed Houthi rebels carried out drone or missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabian cities and oil sites, injuring scores of people.
   • Saudi Arabia vowed retaliation and launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
   • Global oil prices rose as the attacks stoked fears of supply disruptions.
   • Iran issued threats of new economic warfare and missiles directed at the United States.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Saudi-backed forces lifted a military alert in a southern city a day after the initial Houthi strikes.

   What to watch next

   • Further military retaliation by Saudi Arabia against Houthi positions in Yemen
   • Additional impact on global oil supply and pricing as shipping chokepoints face threats
   • Official U.S. responses to Iran's threats of new economic warfare and missiles
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. CNN — Scores wounded as Iran-backed Houthis attack Saudi Arabia, military says
   2. Reuters — Iran threatens US with new 'economic warfare' and missiles as Houthis attack Saudi Arabia
   3. Al Jazeera — Yemen fighting live: Battles rage between Houthi and Saudi-backed forces
   4. The New York Times — Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation After Houthi Attacks Injure Dozens
   5. The Guardian — Houthis strike Saudi Arabian cities in significant expansion of Middle East war
   6. Fox News — Iran-backed attacks threaten a second major oil chokepoint as new risk emerges for US consumers
   7. Euronews.com — Saudi Arabia strikes back after heaviest Houthi attack in years
   8. WSJ — Oil Rises as Houthi Militants’ Attack Amplifies Supply-Disruption Fears
   9. Reuters — Saudi Arabia lifts alert in southern city a day after Houthi strikes
   10. AP News — Yemen's Houthi rebels say Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes, and other key Mideast news
   11. Financial Times — Saudi Arabia’s other war enters dangerous new chapter
   12. CNN — Scores wounded as Iran-backed Houthis attack Saudi Arabia in major regional escalation
   confidence 90%