Yemen Forces Advance as Houthis Target Saudi

The update

Yemeni government forces have advanced in western Taiz province after successfully repelling a Houthi offensive. The Saudi Arabia-backed government forces retaken positions from the Houthis with support from air strikes targeting Houthi gatherings. Meanwhile, the Houthis claim they attacked targets in Saudi Arabia using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, specifically mentioning King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait.

Why it matters

The fighting represents a significant escalation in Yemen’s more than 10-year civil war, threatening a UN-brokered truce that had halted large-scale violence in 2022. The conflict has now spilled beyond Yemen’s borders, with the Houthis claiming attacks on Saudi Arabia and the civilian population facing growing displacement. This creates new regional tensions and humanitarian concerns.

What to watch

Watch for Saudi Arabia’s response to the claimed Houthi attack, whether the government forces can maintain their advance in Taiz, and how the international community responds to the renewed fighting that has displaced nearly 86,000 people. The situation remains fluid with both sides claiming advances and attacks.

Sources

• aljazeera.com — government forces advance in Taiz
• theguardian.com — Houthi claims of attack on Saudi Arabia