Saudi jets strike Yemen as Houthis consolidate gains

On Wednesday, Saudi warplanes launched thousands of strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, intensifying a new front in the Middle East conflict. The Iran-aligned Houthis, responding to the intensifying attacks, reported launching drones and missiles at key Saudi targets, including Yemen's crucial Red Sea oil port of Yanbu and a nearby air base.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group had carried out up to 450 strikes during the week, while Yemen's internationally recognized government acknowledged the escalating conflict. Despite the reported strikes, Riyadh has not publicly confirmed the scale of the campaign. The Houthis claim to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over the province of Marib with a surface-to-air missile, though Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the loss of an aircraft.

This escalation follows a rapid Houthi advance that has taken control of key ports and islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns over global shipping routes. The Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is vital for energy transportation. Tensions have risen further due to a drone attack on Mecca, a move Saudi Arabia considers a red line.

The United States has tightened security for its personnel in Saudi Arabia and met with Houthi representatives, discussing their commitment to a 2025 ceasefire with Washington and the targeting of commercial vessels.