Houthi Rebels Resume Attacks on Red Sea Shipping and Saudi Infrastructure

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have resumed attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The escalation includes strikes on oil refineries, airports, and Saudi-linked oil tankers. On August 12, a cargo ship attack resulted in the first reported fatalities of the current round of violence. The group has also claimed attacks on the port of Mokha.

These operations follow alleged Saudi airstrikes on the Sanaa Airport runway on July 13, which were reportedly intended to block an Iranian flight. The Houthis, who receive support from Iran, are viewed as using these attacks to gain leverage in political negotiations with Saudi Arabia or to resume conflict against the internationally recognized government of Yemen.

The disruption threatens the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime choke point. Because the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, the dual disruption of these two waterways risks significantly increasing global oil costs and inflation.