Yemen fighting intensifies as Saudi Arabia seeks air-defence support
Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom for air-defence assistance as clashes with Houthi forces escalate.
Fighting has intensified between Saudi-led coalition forces and Houthi fighters in Yemen, with attacks reported around Mocha, Marib, Taiz and Hodeidah.
Yemeni government forces said the coalition struck Houthi positions near the southwestern port city of Mocha and that government forces carried out drone attacks in Marib. The Houthis claimed Saudi aircraft conducted 40 air strikes across Taiz, Marib and Hodeidah in the previous 24 hours.
The Houthis also claimed responsibility for attacks on the Khamis Mushait airbase and an oil facility in Yanbu, and said they had shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib. Those claims were not independently verified in the source material.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom to provide air-defence support. Two officials cited by the Associated Press said Saudi Arabia was running low on missile interceptors, while the United States was also facing dwindling stocks.
Washington has ruled out a direct military role while continuing to support Yemen’s internationally recognised government and maintaining military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. US Central Command said it was closely monitoring developments.
Separately, three anonymous sources cited by Reuters said US and Houthi representatives met at the US embassy in Muscat last weekend with Omani assistance. The Houthis reportedly told US officials they would not attack US vessels and remained committed to a 2025 ceasefire with Washington. The account has not been independently confirmed.
