Saudi-led offensive targets Houthi rebels in Yemen's critical trade strait
Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government have launched a major military campaign to push Iran-backed Houthi rebels out of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital trade route for oil and goods. The Houthis have responded with increased missile and drone strikes on Saudi targets, including the international airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery, and military bases. They have also advanced around the western Yemeni city of Taiz, a key battleground in the 12-year civil war.
The escalation comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high. The U.S. and Gulf nations have largely restored oil exports despite Iran's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at potential military action after the November congressional elections, while Iran may be planning proxy attacks. The price of Brent crude has risen to around $100 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the Iran war.
Yemen's conflict has caused widespread devastation, with over 150,000 deaths and one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A 2022 ceasefire largely held until this summer, when the Houthis captured key port cities and islands, tightening their blockade of Saudi shipping. The Bab el-Mandeb strait is crucial for global trade, handling 12% of the world's trade and a quarter of global container traffic.
The Saudi-led coalition has recaptured several areas around the strait, including the town of Dhubab. The coalition also captured the towns of Bab and Hadeid. Saudi officials acknowledge attacks on two of its airports, with minor injuries and damage reported. Analysts suggest the offensive aims to pressure the Houthis back to negotiations, as they have refused to return to the table.
The U.S. has provided support to Saudi Arabia, including intelligence sharing and planning for the offensive. However, Trump has shown reluctance to widen U.S. military involvement. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey are deploying military forces to the kingdom under a new defense pact, though details remain scarce.