Saudi coalition reports striking 136 Houthi military sites in large‑scale raid

The Saudi‑led coalition said on October 10 it had destroyed 136 Houthi military targets in a large‑scale operation across Yemen. Turki al‑Maliki, the coalition’s spokesman, posted on X that the strikes aimed at the personnel and capabilities of the Houthi militia. The attacks came after a night‑time air raid on October 9 produced a plume of smoke over the Houthi‑controlled capital, Sanaa. The coalition’s forces have been pushing back after the Houthis seized the entire Red Sea coastline in a rapid offensive last month, cutting a vital trade route. Yemeni government troops have been fighting for several days to retake the coastal towns lost to the pro‑Iranian fighters. The Houthis, who oppose the Saudi‑backed internationally recognised government, have also launched drone and missile attacks on Saudi transport hubs, oil facilities and other civilian sites since the fighting reignited in July. Al‑Malki’s statements highlighted that the 136 targets were hit in areas still under Houthi control. The Houthi‑run Almasirah TV channel confirmed that Saudi missiles struck locations in the north‑western Saada governorate. The operation marks another escalation of a conflict that has already spilled over into Saudi territory, underscoring the fragile security situation on both sides of the Red Sea.

Context

The Red Sea coast is a strategic corridor for global oil shipments, and control of its ports gives the Houthis leverage over international trade. Saudi Arabia’s coalition has repeatedly vowed to restore the Yemeni government’s authority, while the Houthis continue to rely on Iranian support to expand their reach.