Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia's Khamis Mushait city, which was intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition. The attack followed the downing of a Houthi "ghost" drone west of the Marib governorate, shot down in a single shot.
Saudi warplanes conducted more than 100 strikes on Monday, targeting Houthi positions in the Red Sea coastal region. These strikes enabled Yemeni government forces to reclaim territory previously seized by the Houthis last month. The Houthis had been supported by Iranian military advisers during the occupation.
The resumption of air strikes marks the end of a four-year pause in Saudi military operations against the Houthi rebels. Analysts warn that the renewed attacks risk escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as the Houthis are believed to have received military support from Tehran. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for direct conflict between the two regional powers.
The conflict in Yemen has been a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the Houthis receiving backing from Iran. The recent escalation underscores the fragile stability in the region and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemenis. The war has led to widespread destruction and severe food shortages, with international efforts to broker a ceasefire remaining stalled.
