Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Base as Yemen Offensive Displaces Thousands
Houthi rebels claimed a drone and missile attack on the Sharurah military base in southern Saudi Arabia, while UN figures show nearly 86,000 people have fled Yemen since early September due to renewed fighting that has killed over 500.
Houthi fighters claimed they used drones and missiles to attack a military base in southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the overnight attack targeted weapons depots and command centers at the Sharurah base.
In response to the regional escalation, Saudi civil defence force reported that a projectile fell in al-Tawwal governorate, injuring two people and damaging a mosque and other buildings. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces conducted three airstrikes against Houthi positions in the Taiz region. The Houthis also claimed that Saudi aircraft conducted 129 airstrikes on areas under their control over a 48-hour period.
These incidents occurred amidst a significant Houthi offensive along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The advance culminated in capturing the remainder of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and several strategic islands, cementing control over the Bab al-Mandab strait. Sultan al-Arada described the collapse of government forces in Mocha as "painful and regrettable" and stated that forces were regrouping. Reuters reported that the Houthi advance came with direct guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, although Iran publicly denies giving military direction to the Houthis.
The United Nations stated that nearly 86,000 people had fled Yemen, most since early September when Houthi rebels launched a large-scale offensive. Renewed fighting in Yemen has killed more than 500 people according to sources on both sides. Additionally, the UN migration agency reported that more than 2,000 people fleeing Yemen landed in Djibouti last week.
Tensions also escalated in the Strait of Hormuz. State-run Iranian media reported an Iranian commercial vessel was struck off Qeshm Island, killing one person and injuring four. The UKMTO reported a projectile hit a vessel in the strait, causing a fire and leading to evacuation.
Regarding diplomatic efforts, Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman twice called Donald Trump to request strikes on the Houthis, but the request was rejected. Donald Trump acknowledged the conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince but did not confirm if Washington would take action.