Saudi Arabia, Houthis exchange blows as conflict escalates

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen has escalated, resulting in at least five deaths. The Saudi government accused the Houthis of attacking Mecca, Islam's holiest city, while the Houthis claimed Saudi warplanes targeted communication towers in Taiz, southwestern Yemen. A civilian was killed in Abs, northwest Yemen, and three children reportedly died from strikes conducted by Yemen's recognized government.

One Saudi individual was killed by shrapnel from a downed drone in Mecca. The truce between the two sides, established in 2022, fell apart in July when the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane to land in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, violating Saudi control over Yemeni airspace. Consequently, the Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis have held power over Sanaa and a majority of Yemen's western regions since the civil war began in 2014. They have reported numerous Saudi strikes since their recent offensive to regain control over coastal areas near the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping route. The importance of this strait has grown due to Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, in response to the US and Israel's war with Tehran. Over 100,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, according to UN estimates.