Houthi Rebels and Saudi Arabia Exchange Heavy Missile Strikes

The Houthi rebels and the Government of Saudi Arabia engaged in a series of escalating missile and drone exchanges between September 12 and 14, 2026. The conflict intensified after Houthi forces seized the strategic port city of Mocha and expanded control around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. On Saturday, Houthi projectiles struck the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, wounding two people and damaging a mosque and several buildings. While Saudi authorities reported the impact in Jazan, the Houthis claimed they targeted a military base in Sharurah.

Escalation continued on Sunday as Houthi forces launched a large-scale ballistic missile and drone barrage against the Sharurah military base, targeting command-and-control facilities. Simultaneously, a drone launched from Iranian territory targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, forcing Riyadh to suspend operations and prompting Iraq to temporarily close three border crossings with Iran. President Donald Trump reported that the Houthis contacted Washington to request that the United States not intervene in the conflict.

In response, the Government of Saudi Arabia launched 129 airstrikes over 48 hours across seven Yemeni provinces, including Ta’izz and Sa’ada. The Yemeni Armed Forces also conducted more than 20 airstrikes in Al-Bayda province and recaptured strategic high-ground positions in western Taiz. These government operations targeted Houthi missile launchers, communications systems, and weapon convoys moving toward Sanaa. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that Saudi actions would draw a "decisive, forceful response."