Saudi Arabia Launches Counteroffensive as Houthi Attacks Escalate
Saudi Arabia launched Operation Yemen Dawn to reclaim territory after Houthi rebels captured the Bab al-Mandab strait and attacked Saudi airports.
The conflict in Yemen has escalated into a major civil war following a Saudi Arabian bombing of the Sana'a airport runway in the summer of 2026. The strike, intended to block an Iranian plane, prompted the Iran-backed Houthis to end a 2022 ceasefire, launch a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, and attack oil facilities. By mid-September, the Houthis captured the coastal town of Mocha and secured the Bab al-Mandab strait.
In response, President Rashad al-Alimi announced Operation Yemen Dawn, a broad counteroffensive supported by 100 Saudi jets. While Saudi Arabia requested U.S. airstrikes, President Donald Trump declined direct military intervention, citing the ongoing U.S.-Iran war and upcoming midterm elections. Saudi Arabia has instead sought security support from Turkey and Pakistan under the Mecca joint defence agreement. The fighting has resulted in over 800 deaths and 158,000 displaced persons.
Amidst this escalation, Houthi rebels targeted King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport on October 6, causing injuries and material damage. The Houthis subsequently warned international airlines against using Saudi airspace. During this period, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Riyadh to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the Houthi strikes as a violation of international law and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
