Red Sea Conflict Escalates as Yemen's Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles at Saudi Facilities

The conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia has escalated in the Red Sea, with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels firing missiles and drones at Saudi facilities. The attack targeted Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan, but there was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia. Tensions remain high after a recent escalation between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis have threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping, which would further choke global shipping. The strait is a vital shipping chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and around 12% of the world's trade passes through it.

In response to Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers, Saudi Arabia struck the port city of Hodeida in Yemen. The strikes hit 'legitimate military targets' linked to threats to commercial vessels in the Red Sea, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.