Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

In the past day, the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms reported that Houthi forces have committed at least five civilian killings and left over a dozen others injured. The state-run Saba news agency also confirmed a Houthi attack on a hospital in Taiz on Tuesday, causing injuries and damage to the medical facility.

Etihad Airways has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam due to regional disruptions. The cancellations are expected to remain in place until October 19. Qatar Airways has also temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported four air strikes on sites in Hodeidah and Amran. Separately, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that his group's troops shot down a Saudi Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone in northern Yemen's Saada region.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed criticism of the Houthis, stating they have "misbehaved very badly." He also suggested that upcoming midterm elections in Iran will not impact his approach to the war, predicting that oil prices will drop significantly once the conflict concludes, which he expects to happen "very soon." The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its growth forecasts for the Middle East and Central Asia in 2026 due to the ongoing conflict, with Saudi Arabia's GDP projected to decline by 3.3 percent this year.