Saudi Arabia has resumed major air strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and raising fears of a broader regional war. The strikes, conducted by more than 100 Saudi warplanes, targeted rebel positions in the Red Sea coastal region, enabling Yemeni government forces to reclaim territory previously seized by the Houthis. The operation, named Operation Yemen Dawn, was supported by Saudi coalition aircraft and led to the recapture of the town of Dhubab, located just north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iranian military advisers, had taken control of the area last month. In response, Saudi Arabia reported that its airports near the Yemen border were hit in attacks, resulting in three injuries. The Saudi aviation authority confirmed severe injuries and damage following Houthi strikes on Jazan and Najran airports. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they targeted Riyadh’s international airport, an oil refinery, and military bases across Saudi Arabia.
Analysts warn that the resumption of airstrikes could bring Saudi Arabia and Iran closer to direct conflict. The Houthi rebels, who are allied with Iran, have been accused of receiving military support from Tehran. With Pakistan and Turkey agreeing to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia, the situation is becoming increasingly volatile. The conflict, which has already caused significant humanitarian suffering, now risks expanding into a larger regional confrontation.
