Houthis Claim Missile and Drone Strike on Saudi Sharurah Base as Government Forces Down Five Drones
Yemeni Houthi forces claimed a missile and drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s Sharurah military base near the Yemen border while government forces reported striking Houthi positions and downing five drones amid escalated fighting over the Bab al-Mandeb Red Sea chokepoint.
Houthi Claimed Strike on Saudi Base
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed on Sunday that it launched a missile and drone attack targeting a Saudi military base in the kingdom’s southern border region, saying the operation struck military infrastructure linked to operations against Yemen. [1] Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, said in a statement posted on X that the group targeted Sharurah military base in southern Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles and drones. [1] He claimed the attack hit weapons depots as well as command-and-control centers overseeing military operations against Yemen. [1] Saree did not specify when the attack took place or provide evidence supporting the group’s claims. [1] Saudi authorities have not immediately confirmed the reported strike or announced casualties or damage at the base. [1] The Houthis warned that any continuation of Saudi military operations against Yemen would be met with broader and more intense attacks deeper inside Saudi territory. [1] The group has repeatedly issued similar warnings during previous phases of the conflict. [1] Sharurah, located near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, has been targeted by Houthi missiles and drones on multiple occasions since the conflict escalated in 2015. [1]
Government Counterstrikes and Drone Losses
Yemeni government forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions, personnel and military equipment in Taiz, Dhubab and northern fronts, downing five drones. [2] Army statements indicated that the strikes targeted Houthi positions, personnel and military equipment across those areas. [2] The government actions came as part of ongoing efforts to counter Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast.
Yemeni government forces strike Houthi positions and down five drones. — Source: anadolu
Houthi Advance on Red Sea Coast and Islands
Houthi forces have seized strategic islands including Mayun, Perim and areas near Mokha and Dhubab, gaining control over much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandeb shipping lanes. [3] The Houthis announced they had seized the strategic Mayun island. [3] In a lightning move the Houthis captured three strategic islands and took control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, according to an AFP report cited in the coverage. [3] The Houthis have also taken control of the port city of Mokha and areas including Dhubab. [3] Control of Perim island in the middle of the Bab al-Mandeb strait gives the Houthis significant influence over shipping lanes that connect the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. [3]
Warnings, Diplomatic Exchanges and Regional Impact
The Houthis warned that continued Saudi military operations against Yemen would trigger broader and more intense attacks deeper inside Saudi territory. [1] The group sent a message to the United States not to intervene in the conflict against Yemen’s internationally recognised government. [3] US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had called Washington and stated they did not want to fight the United States. [3] Trump, speaking in Dublin, Ireland, said the Houthis had contacted the US side with that message. [3] Reports indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called Trump to request strikes against the Houthis, though Trump confirmed the conversation but denied the specific request for action. [3]
Houthi forces target Saudi military base near Bab al-Mandeb amid Red Sea clashes. — Source: gdelt
Humanitarian Displacement Reported by UN
UN reports indicate that 76,000 people have fled Yemen since July, including 46,000 in the past month, as fighting intensifies. [3] The displacement has accelerated in recent weeks amid intensified clashes between Houthi forces and the internationally recognised Yemeni government. [3] Civilians have moved toward neighboring countries as new fronts opened along the Red Sea coast. [3]
Broader Context of the Yemen Conflict
The conflict in Yemen has entered its second decade, with repeated cross-border attacks, humanitarian crises and stalled peace negotiations continuing to undermine prospects for a lasting political settlement. [1] The internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has accused the Iran-aligned Houthis of intensifying missile and drone attacks on government-controlled areas along the Red Sea coast in recent weeks. [1] The Houthis have expanded their military operations beyond Yemen over the past year, launching attacks they say are linked to regional tensions involving Israel and the United States. [1] Those operations have targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea as well as military targets in neighboring countries, drawing retaliatory strikes from the United States and its allies. [1] Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in air defense systems to counter cross-border attacks targeting military facilities, airports and energy infrastructure. [1] The latest claim comes as fighting in Yemen continues despite intermittent ceasefire efforts. [1]
What to watch next: Further Houthi statements on potential deeper strikes inside Saudi territory, additional government reports on drone interceptions, and updates on displacement figures from the UN as clashes continue around the Bab al-Mandeb area.
