Stories
Yemen Fighting Escalates Amid High US-Iran Tensions and Red Sea Strait Conflict
- •Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s government have launched a major military campaign to drive Iran-backed Houthi rebels from the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- •The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting airports, an Aramco refinery, and military bases.
- •The conflict threatens a critical trade route for oil and global goods, causing Brent crude prices to hover around USD 100 per barrel.
- •The Saudi-backed offensive aims to weaken the Houthi rebels and force them back to the negotiating table after months of deadlock.
- •The US is providing intelligence and planning support for the campaign, while Pakistan and Turkiye deploy military forces to strengthen Saudi defences.
Key Questions Answered
Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government launched a military campaign to drive Iran-backed Houthi rebels from the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which serves as a critical trade route for oil and other goods. The operation began after the Houthis captured key areas including the port city of Mokha, islands, and the town of Turbah, threatening a blockade of Saudi shipping and expanding their control.
The Houthi rebels have escalated missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, claiming to have struck the international airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery, and Saudi military bases. The kingdom also acknowledged that two of its airports were attacked, which left three people lightly injured and damaged facilities.
The United States is supporting Saudi Arabia by providing intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning assistance for the offensive. Additionally, Pakistan and Turkiye are deploying military forces to the kingdom under a new defense pact, bringing combat experience and technological capabilities to help strengthen Saudi defenses.
