Saudi Arabia Escalates Yemen War After Houthi Red Sea Offensive
Saudi Arabia has reinvigorated its military campaign in Yemen after the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, seized key territories along the Red Sea coast and strategic islands in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on September 10, 2026. The Houthis' offensive marked a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict, prompting Saudi-backed government forces to launch a counterattack in early October. International support for Saudi Arabia has grown, with France, Pakistan, and the United States sending personnel to aid in the effort against the Houthis.
The latest round of violence was sparked by a bombing at Sanaa International Airport on July 13, 2026, which targeted an Iranian civilian plane carrying a Houthi delegation. The attack, claimed by Yemen's internationally recognized government, led to a Houthi blockade on Saudi oil exports through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthis also targeted Saudi petroleum facilities and oil tankers in the Red Sea, effectively ending a truce that had been in place since April 2022.
The Houthis have strengthened their military capabilities over the past four years, manufacturing weapons domestically and receiving support from Iran. Their ability to swiftly capture Red Sea coast territories was further aided by the withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Yemen in January 2026. The UAE's departure followed Saudi pressure after Emirati support for Yemen's southern secessionist movement led to territorial disputes.
The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), which oversees Yemen's internationally recognized government, has faced criticism for its ineffectiveness and corruption. Despite Saudi backing, the PLC's initial struggle to repel the Houthi advance has highlighted the government's weaknesses. The Houthis, meanwhile, have leveraged their support for Palestinians to boost their domestic legitimacy and international profile, though their actions have also drawn retaliatory strikes from the United States and Israel.