Strikes on shipping lanes, Saudi escalation mark new phase in Yemen's conflict - analysis

The Iranian-backed Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening shipping lanes and announcing a naval blockade. The Saudi-led coalition responds with airstrikes on Houthi missile sites and weapons depots, marking a new phase in Yemen's conflict after years of relative calm.

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen are escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening shipping lanes and announcing a naval blockade. In response, the Saudi-led coalition has conducted airstrikes on Houthi missile sites and weapons depots in Hodeidah, Marib, and Al-Jawf. Houthi chairman Mahdi al-Mashat threatened Saudi Arabia, accusing it of attacking Sana'a Airport and Hodeidah. The Houthis claimed attacks on Aramco facilities in Yanbu and said a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia would remain. Yemeni government aircraft carried out strikes against Houthi missile and drone launch sites, killing several personnel. The escalation marks a new phase in Yemen's conflict after years of relative calm following the 2022 UN-brokered truce, and is linked to broader regional tensions involving Iran and Gulf states.