A spokesperson for the Houthi rebels, Yahya Saree, alleged that Saudi forces carried out 28 airstrikes across Yemen in the past 24 hours. The airstrikes targeted the governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib. Saree made the claims in a statement on his official Telegram channel. He stated that the airstrikes were carried out using F-15 and Typhoon aircraft, taking off from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases.
According to Saree, the latest strikes brought the total number of Saudi airstrikes since the beginning of the Saudi "escalation" against the Houthis to 760. The Houthi rebels have been engaged in a conflict with Saudi Arabia for several years. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and infrastructure damage in Yemen.
The Houthi rebels have also claimed responsibility for recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. In a statement on Telegram, the Houthis claimed that their forces had carried out two military operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. The operations targeted civilian infrastructure in Riyadh and Yanbu.
The US has issued a security alert for its mission in Saudi Arabia, requiring US government employees working in the country to obtain special authorization for all official and personal travel to the cities of Taif and Yanbu. The restrictions were imposed due to the ongoing security situation and heightened security concerns following Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
US President Trump has stated that Washington maintains ongoing contact with Yemen's Houthis in the wake of their recent ballistic missile strikes directed at Saudi Arabia. Trump added that the Houthis have consented to refrain from attacking American personnel. However, indications suggest that the US administration is studying potential military steps against the Houthis following their missile attack targeting the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels has drawn in other countries, including Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara would have "no difficulty" meeting Saudi Arabia's military needs under the Mecca Alliance. Fidan added that Turkey is closely monitoring escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement.
The security climate in the region has grown increasingly complex, with ongoing regional friction involving Iran, Yemen, and Western interests. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has addressed the gravity of the Houthi threat, asserting that military intervention could have swiftly concluded the conflict had it not been for concerns over innocent Yemeni civilians.
Key points
- The Houthi rebels claim Saudi forces carried out 28 airstrikes in Yemen, targeting governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib.
- The US has issued a security alert for its mission in Saudi Arabia, requiring special authorization for travel to Taif and Yanbu.
- The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels has drawn in other countries, including Turkey and the US.
