Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Houthi Targets Amid Escalating Red Sea Tensions

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launched strikes against Houthi targets on Saturday in response to recent missile attacks by the Iranian-backed group. The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition stated that its forces hit 'legitimate military targets' used by the Houthis to threaten commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

According to Al Jazeera English, the Yemeni government air force also carried out strikes on Houthi missile and drone launch sites. Saudi authorities issued warnings for Jazan and Yanbu, asking people to seek shelter due to the risk of attacks, but have since lifted these warnings.

The Houthis' blockade of shipping routes through the Red Sea has added to global energy anxiety, with tension in the region already exacerbated by US-Iran hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz is largely paralyzed, and Brent crude prices have soared 27% over the past two weeks, closing at $96.78 a barrel on Friday.