Houthi Movement Escalates Attacks on Saudi Infrastructure and Shipping

The Houthi Movement has escalated military operations against Saudi Arabia, launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the headquarters of the national oil company, Aramco. These strikes have killed at least 19 people and caused widespread flight cancellations. The group has also seized Yemeni territory near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and declared a blockade on Saudi shipping as of July.

Intelligence reports and U.N. experts indicate the Houthi Movement grew from 30,000 fighters in 2015 to approximately 350,000 by 2024, aided by Iranian intelligence, training, and weaponry. Specifically, reports state that Mahan Air flights were used in July to smuggle Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers and missile guidance systems into Houthi-controlled territory. This activity prompted the Government of Saudi Arabia to bomb the San’a airport runway to block a second flight.

The Government of Iran and the Houthi Movement deny these allegations, with Iranian officials stating that the country does not interfere in Yemeni affairs. Meanwhile, the Government of China has been accused of supplying parts for the precision-guided ballistic missiles used in the attacks. Saudi Arabia has struggled to counter the offensive despite using U.S.-supplied defenses and seeking mutual defense pacts with Pakistan and Turkey.