Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles at Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Cities

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan, targeting facilities belonging to Aramco, the world's largest oil company. This retaliation comes after Saudi airstrikes on the strategic city of Hodeida.

According to Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthis' military spokesperson, the attack aimed at stopping the aggression and lifting the blockade on Yemen. The Houthis have threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping unless their demands are met.

The Red Sea is a vital shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, through which around 12% of the world's trade passes. This escalation further threatens global shipping and comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US in the region.