Houthis Attack Najran Airport Amid Escalating Tensions

Saudi Arabia's Najran airport has been targeted by Yemen's Houthi group in response to alleged Saudi drone incursions over Saada and Hijaz. According to regional sources, operations at the airport were suspended following the attack, although government sources have not confirmed the incident yet. This marks the second time in a month that the Houthis have attacked a Saudi airport, after targeting Abha airports in mid-July.

The Houthi group has stated its intention to impose a blockade on Saudi-linked vessels crossing Bab Al Mandab, and is seeking more economic concessions from Riyadh as part of ongoing indirect talks through Omani mediators. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to explore diplomatic solutions, while maintaining military preparations in case negotiations fail.

Opec's crude oil production rose by 1.2 million barrels per day in July, with almost all the extra output coming from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. The Kingdom's production increased by 390,000 barrels per day to 7.4 million barrels per day, still below pre-conflict levels.