Houthi rebels in Yemen have issued a warning that they will attack US warships in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait if Washington joins Saudi Arabia's military campaign against them. The threat comes as US President Donald Trump considers airstrikes against Houthi targets, raising concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict.
The Houthi leadership, which is backed by Iran, has previously launched attacks on Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure and military installations. In October 2026, Houthi forces conducted multiple attacks on Riyadh, exposing vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's air defense systems. These strikes have disrupted regional stability and raised fears of a broader conflict involving global powers.
The situation in Yemen has been marked by a prolonged conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi-led coalition forces. The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi oil facilities, including a major strike on an Aramco refinery in October 2026. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with thousands of civilian casualties and widespread displacement.
The involvement of the United States in the conflict remains a point of contention. While the US has not directly participated in the military campaign, its potential support for Saudi Arabia has heightened tensions with Iran and its regional allies. The Houthi threat to US assets underscores the growing complexity of the regional security landscape.
