Saudis seek allies’ help as missile defenses run low in fight with Houthis, officials say
Saudi Arabia is seeking support from allies to counter increased Houthi attacks. France is deploying troops to protect the Yanbu oil terminal, while Pakistan and Turkey will hold military talks with Riyadh. The Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Saudi targets, prompting Saudi Arabia to intercept six ballistic missiles.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ France is sending military to protect key Yanbu oil terminal.
- ✓ Pakistan and Turkey will hold military talks with Riyadh.
- ✓ The Houthis have launched strikes on the UN-recognized government in Yemen and repeatedly fired into Saudi Arabia.
- ✓ Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have a mutual defense pact.
What changed
France confirmed it is sending troops to guard the major oil terminal at Yanbu, and Saudi officials are meeting with peers from Pakistan and Turkey to discuss options under their mutual defense pact.
Live updates
-
Saudi Arabia seeks allies' help as Houthi attacks intensify
Saudi Arabia is seeking support from allies to counter increased Houthi attacks. France is deploying troops to protect the Yanbu oil terminal, while Pakistan and Turkey will hold military talks with Riyadh. The Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Saudi targets, prompting Saudi Arabia to intercept six ballistic missiles.
Why it matters
The conflict is part of a wider Middle East war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have been firing into Saudi Arabia, disrupting oil flows from the world's largest energy exporter. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have a mutual defense pact, which they are discussing ways to support the Kingdom amid the attacks.
What is confirmed
- France is sending military to protect key Yanbu oil terminal.
- Pakistan and Turkey will hold military talks with Riyadh.
- The Houthis have launched strikes on the UN-recognized government in Yemen and repeatedly fired into Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have a mutual defense pact.
- The Houthis said they had fired dozens of missiles and drones at Saudi targets.
- Saudi authorities said they had intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia asked Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan to deploy air defense reinforcements to help counter Houthi missiles and drones.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the military talks between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey
- The deployment of French troops to the Yanbu oil terminal
- Further escalation of Houthi attacks on Saudi targets
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.aljazeera.com — Saudi Arabia allies line up support as Houthi attacks mount | Conflict News
- www.arabnews.com — Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as Houthis step ... - Arab News
- www.straitstimes.com — Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as Houthis step up attacks
- www.alestiklal.net — After the Houthis Seized Control of Bab al-Mandab, Why Did ...
- www.al-monitor.com — What France’s military deployment means for Saudi Arabia’s ...
- asiatimes.com — Baptism of Houthi fire for Mecca mutual defense pact
- www.zawya.com — Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as Houthis step up attacks
- www.genocidewatch.com — Saudi Allies Line Up Support As Houthi Attacks Mount
-
Zelensky Denounces Daily Russian Escalation After Overnight Raids
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that two people were killed in Zaporizhzhia and 14 others injured following a wave of overnight Russian attacks across multiple regions. The strikes impacted Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv, damaging a kindergarten, a high school, and a university building. Energy infrastructure sustained damage in the Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia regions. Zelensky calls for more decisive global responses to prevent the conflict from spreading further as Moscow intensifies its military campaign.
Why it matters
The overnight raids fit into a persistent pattern of heightened military pressure against Ukrainian civilian areas and critical infrastructure. This ongoing campaign strains regional emergency services and challenges air defense capabilities across the country. Kyiv continues to press international partners for stronger measures to counter the continuous aerial bombardments.
What is confirmed
- Two people were killed in Zaporizhzhia during overnight Russian attacks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Fourteen people were injured in overnight raids that struck the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
What to watch next
- Further statements or policy responses from international allies regarding the renewed escalation
- Reports on the extent of damage to energy infrastructure in Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- seekingalpha.com — Weekly Commentary: Walked The Walk
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, Zelensky: "Daily escalation by Moscow, two dead and 14 injured in night raids"
-
Saudi Arabia Seeks Allies' Aid Following Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia is seeking military and intelligence support to counter escalating Houthi attacks. The kingdom has labeled an attempted strike on Mecca as a red line. Israel and Saudi Arabia are discussing intelligence sharing to mitigate the threat, though a Saudi official stated that Israeli assistance will not accelerate normalization between the two nations. Additionally, Burnham is considering military support for the Saudi effort in the war against the Houthis.
Why it matters
The Houthis are backed by Iran and have increased their offensive operations against Saudi targets. This security crisis is prompting unconventional diplomatic and military coordination among regional actors.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia and Israel are discussing intelligence aid to counter Houthi attacks.
- The Houthis are backed by Iran.
Still unconfirmed
- Kuwait is quietly moving toward Israel due to the Iranian threat.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of military support from Burnham
- Formalization of intelligence sharing agreements between Israel and Saudi Arabia
- Houthi response to the Mecca attack designation
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
- AP News — Saudi Arabia calls attempted attack on Mecca a 'red line' as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it
- The Jerusalem Post — Israel and Saudi Arabia discuss intelligence aid amid growing Houthi attacks
- The Telegraph — Burnham considers military support for Saudi’s Houthi war
- blogs.timesofisrael.com — The Houthis Just Set Up Israel’s Checkmate. Here’s the Move.
- Daily Sabah — Israel shares Houthi intelligence with Saudi Arabia: Report
- The Jerusalem Post — Answer Saudi Arabia: Israel must take the opportunity presented by the Houthi attack - editorial
- i24news.tv — 'Israeli Aid Against The Houthis Will Not Advance Normalization,' Saudi Official Says
- israelhayom.com — Kuwait quietly moves toward Israel amid Iran threat
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community