Houthi-Saudi Arabia Conflict in Yemen: Military Operations

The conflict escalated sharply in early September 2026 as Houthi forces advanced toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. On September 7, Houthis threatened retaliation against Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously accusing Riyadh of air raids and missile strikes, including a deadly attack on al-Hazm prison that killed seven people. Saudi Arabia responded to Houthi strikes on oil infrastructure with reprisal attacks, leading to a cycle of mutual accusations and intensifying violence across multiple Yemeni regions. By September 9, Houthis reported over 30 Saudi airstrikes, marking a significant expansion of the aerial campaign. The conflict widened geographically and strategically in mid-September. Houthis captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha on September 10, triggering dozens of Saudi airstrikes and causing casualties on Saudi territory. Regional tensions spiked on September 12 when Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack attributed to Iran originating from Iraq. Houthis seized key positions around Bab el-Mandeb, disrupting Saudi oil exports and prompting further Saudi defensive measures. Diplomatic efforts regarding the Strait of Hormuz stalled as Houthis launched cross-border strikes on Saudi military installations on September 13. Violence intensified through late September with direct attacks on high-value targets. Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 jet in Marib and launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities and an air base on September 16. Saudi Arabia accused Houthis of targeting Mecca, a claim the Houthis denied, while reporting 52 Saudi strikes in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis deepened, with the UN reporting over 100,000 displaced people. Houthis launched a rocket attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on September 19 and a missile attack on Saudi military installations on September 21. International involvement expanded as the conflict persisted. The United Kingdom announced military support for Saudi Arabia on September 22, linking the conflict to broader US-Iran tensions. Despite billions in weapons, Saudi military resources struggled to defeat the Houthis, who continued to launch missile and UAV attacks on Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu on September 24. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones toward Riyadh on September 26, while Houthis accused Saudi forces of deadly strikes on a Taiz market that left dozens of casualties on September 27. By early October 2026, the Houthis had gained ground against Saudi forces in specific regions, challenging Saudi military superiority. The conflict remained protracted with significant humanitarian consequences, including mass displacement and continued airstrikes. Houthis claimed a Saudi-backed strike killed four individuals in Yemen on September 29, maintaining the cycle of retaliation and escalation. The balance of power showed signs of shifting as Houthi forces resisted containment efforts, drawing in regional and global powers while disrupting global energy markets.