The conflict around Yemen’s Red Sea coast intensified sharply on Sunday, with Ansar Allah/Houthi forces claiming missile and drone attacks on a Saudi military base as Riyadh faces a rapidly deteriorating security situation around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
The latest escalation follows the Houthis’ capture of Mokha and Mayun, or Perim, Island, which sits directly in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The advances have significantly strengthened the Iran-aligned movement’s position around the southern entrance to the Red Sea and raised concerns that disruption already affecting the Strait of Hormuz could spread to a second critical global energy and commercial route.
Early Sunday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones against the Sharurah military base in southern Saudi Arabia’s Najran province. He claimed that weapons depots and command-and-control facilities had been hit and warned that attacks deeper inside Saudi territory could follow if Saudi military operations in Yemen continued. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed damage at the base.
Separately, Saudi authorities said a projectile launched from Yemen struck Al-Tuwal in the Jazan region, wounding two people and damaging a mosque, other buildings and vehicles. The incident confirmed that projectiles were reaching Saudi territory, although it was not immediately clear whether the strike was part of the operation claimed by the Houthis.
The attacks came after Saudi aircraft reportedly struck Mokha airport following its capture by Houthi forces. Houthi-linked media said the airport was hit twice. The continuing fighting has transformed a previously relatively stable front into one of the central theatres of the wider regional confrontation.
The strategic significance of the developments extends far beyond Yemen. Mayun divides the Bab al-Mandeb into two channels and provides a strategically important position close to shipping routes connecting the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The Houthi advance therefore presents a new challenge for Washington and its regional allies at a time when instability in the Strait of Hormuz is already placing severe pressure on energy markets and international shipping.
Saudi Arabia is simultaneously dealing with disruption to its East-West oil pipeline, a crucial route designed to allow crude exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Riyadh temporarily shut the pipeline following drone attacks that Iraqi authorities said originated from Iraqi territory. US President Donald Trump said Iran was “probably” responsible, although definitive evidence publicly establishing Tehran’s direct involvement has not been presented.
Trump also said the Houthis had contacted Washington and indicated that they did not want the United States to enter the Saudi-Houthi confrontation directly. Washington has so far refrained from direct military intervention while reportedly providing intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the regional maritime situation deteriorated further on Sunday when a commercial vessel was struck near Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and injuring three, according to Iranian media.
Note: The map created with the help of AI.