Houthis Claim Missile And Drone Strike On Saudi Military Base

Houthi fighters on Sunday claimed they launched a combined missile and drone attack on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia, as fighting between the Iran-aligned group and Yemen’s government forces intensified. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the attack targeted the Sharurah base, including weapons depots and command and control centres. The date of the operation was not specified.

The renewed violence comes amid a sharp escalation in clashes across Yemen. On Saturday, Yemen’s government forces said they had carried out strikes against Houthi fighters in the Red Sea city of Mocha and later targeted positions in the Taiz region. The Yemeni military said three airstrikes hit Houthi positions and barracks, while the government-backed forces also reported destroying vehicles and weapons near Mocha.

The latest fighting follows a week-long Houthi offensive that resulted in the group capturing additional areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and several strategic islands. The developments have strengthened the Houthis’ position around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key maritime passage at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The group has also declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi ports along the Red Sea.

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The conflict has also triggered a fresh displacement crisis. The UN’s migration agency said around 76,000 people had fled the fighting since July, with the number quadrupling in the week before the latest report. Many residents from areas including Mocha have fled towards Aden, while about 1,400 people have crossed into Djibouti. The renewed violence has reportedly killed more than 500 people, according to sources on both sides.

Saudi authorities also reported a Houthi projectile falling near the border on Saturday night, after alerts had warned of a possible attack. Saudi civil defence officials said the incident caused two injuries and damaged a mosque, buildings and vehicles. Meanwhile, reports have said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contacted US President Donald Trump over possible strikes against the Houthis, although Washington has not announced such action.

The escalation comes amid renewed uncertainty over the wider Yemen conflict, which began in 2014 after the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia intervened in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government in 2015 and continues to back the Aden-based administration. Trump has acknowledged speaking with the Saudi leadership and said the Houthis had also contacted the United States, but he did not provide details about any potential US response.

Also Read: Yemen Clashes Kill 81 As Houthis Advance Towards Bab al-Mandab Strait