Houthi forces resume strikes on al-Makha port amid Red Sea escalation
Fresh ballistic missile and drone attacks launched against Yemen’s strategic al-Makha port mark a renewed phase of hostilities in the region, with Houthi officials citing Saudi military reinforcement as justification for the operation.
Iran-backed Houthis have resumed attacks on Yemen’s al-Makha port in the Red Sea, launching a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones. The operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, targeting a strategic hub that has previously seen intense fighting and significant casualties.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the operation specifically targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots. The group cited an alleged continued Saudi military buildup as the primary motivation for the strikes, pointing to the reinforcement of allied forces with weapons and equipment along Yemen’s western coast and in Taiz province.
Houthi political council member Hizam al-Assad provided further details on the immediate aftermath of the attack, claiming that continuing explosions, fires, and smoke were visible at the port. These assertions regarding the extent of damage to Saudi military assets remain unverified by independent sources and are presented here as claims made by Houthi officials.
The resumption of hostilities at al-Makha occurs against a backdrop of broader regional instability. Iran is currently entrenching a blockade in the Hormuz Strait, while its Houthi allies in Yemen have declared a parallel maritime blockade on Saudi ports in the Red Sea. This dual pressure strategy highlights the widening scope of the conflict beyond Yemen’s borders.
Previous offensives on al-Makha have resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. In a prior incident, a Houthi offensive left 11 dead, with Yemeni government forces reporting the interception of six drones and two ballistic missiles falling into the sea. Another medical source previously reported three civilian and eight military deaths, with 32 others injured, following strikes on the city.
Yemeni government-aligned forces, including the National Resistance Forces, have previously intercepted and destroyed unmanned systems launched during these operations. Footage broadcast by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV has shown the launch of several ballistic missiles and drones, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat to the port’s operations.
As the situation develops, the humanitarian and economic implications for the region remain severe. The strategic importance of al-Makha as a Red Sea port means that continued attacks could further disrupt maritime traffic and exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
