Yemen conflict fears grow as Houthi attacks target Red Sea shipping and Saudi infrastructure
Saudi Arabia strengthens security alliances with Pakistan, Turkiye and the US as Yemeni officials reject renewed ceasefire terms.
Fears of a return to all-out war in Yemen have intensified following a series of Houthi attacks on the government-controlled port of al-Makha, a commercial vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Saudi Aramco facilities. The escalation threatens to unravel the 2022 truce that previously ended heavy fighting between the pro-Iranian Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
In response, Saudi Arabia is bolstering its security posture through a new international alliance for Red Sea shipping protection, deepening defence ties with Pakistan and Turkiye, and coordinating closely with the United States. Yemeni government officials have indicated they will not accept a new truce that mirrors previous failures, while analysts suggest the Houthis are acting to disrupt government offensive preparations and support Iran’s broader confrontation with the United States.
A Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday killed six people and injured ten others; the Houthis claimed the vessel was carrying weapons. Clashes over the last month have intensified, with Houthi drone and rocket attacks on Yemeni government military sites in eastern Yemen killing at least 30 government soldiers. The Houthis have attacked Saudi Aramco’s Jazan oil refinery and announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, threatening oil shipments.
Saudi Arabia announced a new international alliance to protect Red Sea shipping, with 13 countries agreeing to participate. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman met US Vice President JD Vance, amid reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has secured US support for potential military action against the Houthis. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that three Pakistanis were killed and one injured in a Houthi attack on a vessel in the Red Sea.
Yemeni government forces attacked Sanaa airport on July 13, reportedly to prevent an Iranian aircraft carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. Saudi Arabia intervened against the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) at the end of last year, allowing the anti-Houthi coalition to coalesce around the Yemeni government. Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, stated the government would not accept a new truce that reproduces previous experiences, though he left room for political engagement.
