Houthis Escalate Attacks on Saudi Arabia in July
The conflict between the Iranian-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been escalating throughout July. The Houthis have claimed attacks on key port facilities in Yanbu and Jizan, which are crucial to Riyadh's economy. This comes as a response to Saudi Arabia's blockade on Houthi-controlled areas, which the group describes as a siege.
The Houthis have transformed themselves over the last two decades from a relatively isolated movement in northern Yemen into one of the most powerful armed groups in the Middle East. They emerged from Yemen's Zaidi Shi'ite community and have been fighting the Yemeni government since the 2000s. Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen in 2015 at the head of an Arab coalition, seeking to prevent a complete Houthi takeover.
The conflict has led to concerns that international shipping via the Red Sea could be disrupted. Top shipping insurers have told brokers that they will not sell war cargo insurance to Saudi Arabia-linked ships in the Red Sea, following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. This is a further risk to oil exports from the region.
The Houthis' actions are seen as part of their efforts to position themselves as a key member of Iran's regional axis. They have been launching missiles and drones toward Israel and targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, claiming the attacks were linked to Israel or carried out in support of Gaza.