The Daily PulseWorld
Houthi fighters expand control in Yemen as attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate
Reported by Siddharth Deshmukh (Staff Writer) · Indian Express - World ·
Confirmed by a second source: The Hindu - International
Representative image · Wikimedia CommonsIran-backed Houthi fighters are advancing deeper into Yemen and increasing attacks on Saudi Arabia after US President Donald Trump reportedly called off planned strikes against the group at the last minute.
Territorial Advance
Houthi forces are trying to capture the strategic Kahboub Mountains located in Taiz and Lahij provinces. These mountains separate the Red Sea coast from government-held areas further south. The group has already pushed out Saudi-backed government forces from multiple positions along the Red Sea coast and moved closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Attacks On Saudi Arabia
In recent weeks, the Houthi group has launched missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led coalition forces stated they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh on a Saturday. Reuters footage showed a large plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, while FlightRadar24 reported major flight delays and cancellations. Air-raid alerts went off in the Saudi capital for the first time since tensions flared in July. The US State Department noted that the group has targeted civilian airports and warned that the conflict could escalate quickly.
US Stance
President Trump stated in a Fox News interview that Washington is in constant communication with the Houthis and that the rebel group agreed not to fight the US. Trump added that he is deciding his next steps in the larger war with Iran, which is approaching its seventh month. He previously mentioned that the Houthis called America to say they prefer not having the US involved and are letting most ships pass through.
Global Impact
The Houthi advance threatens the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is a vital shipping lane connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on its Red Sea export route due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. S&P Global warned that simultaneous disruptions at both chokepoints put pressure on sea routes carrying Middle Eastern energy to Asian markets like India and China. The Houthis are part of Iran's Axis of Resistance alongside groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and they oppose the influence of the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen are expanding their territorial control and stepping up attacks on Saudi Arabia while the US holds back on military strikes. This conflict is closely tied to the broader regional tensions involving Iran.
Why It Matters
The fighting directly threatens the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, which are critical trade routes for global oil and cargo shipments. Because Saudi Arabia and other nations rely on these waters to move energy supplies to Asia, disruptions here can drive up fuel and shipping costs for importing countries like India and China.
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the US will take direct military action or pursue diplomatic channels, while regional powers continue to manage security risks around vital maritime chokepoints.
