Yemen’s Houthi movement has accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out 129 airstrikes across several parts of Yemen over a 48 hour period, as fighting intensifies along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and tensions between the Houthis and Saudi backed forces escalate.
Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, made the claim in a statement reported on September 12-13, 2026. He said the Saudi strikes targeted areas in the Yemeni provinces of Taiz, Marib, Hudaydah, Al-Jawf, Saada, Amran and Hajjah.
Claim of F-15 and Typhoon Fighter Jets
- Saree also claimed that Saudi F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were involved in the attacks.
- According to reports citing his statement, the aircraft allegedly operated from Saudi military bases including King Khalid Air Base near Khamis Mushait and another base at Taif. The claim about the specific aircraft and bases has not been independently verified by all sources and should therefore be treated as an allegation from the Houthi side.
- King Khalid Air Base, located near Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia, is a major Royal Saudi Air Force installation and has facilities associated with F-15 aircraft.
Houthis Warn of Retaliation
- Saree warned that the reported Saudi attacks would not go unanswered.
- The statement comes as fighting has intensified in Yemen, with Houthi forces making significant advances along the Red Sea coast and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia attempting to push them back.
- The Houthis have also claimed attacks against Saudi military targets using missiles and drones. Recent reports said the group claimed a coordinated attack on a Saudi military base in the country’s south.
Strategic Importance of Bab al-Mandab
- The latest fighting is particularly significant because of Yemen’s position near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s important maritime chokepoints connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
- Houthi advances near the Red Sea coast have raised concerns about international shipping and regional security. The renewed fighting is also increasing pressure on global energy markets because disruptions around the Red Sea and Gulf region can affect the movement of oil and other commercial goods.
Humanitarian Concerns
- The renewed conflict is also creating a growing humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have reportedly been displaced by the latest fighting, while civilians in affected areas face shortages and insecurity.
- The escalation comes after years of conflict between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Iran aligned Houthi movement. A fragile period of relative calm had reduced the intensity of fighting, but the latest territorial advances and Saudi military involvement are raising fears of a broader escalation.
Why This Matters
- The latest developments could have consequences beyond Yemen.
- Any significant escalation involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis could threaten shipping routes around the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea, potentially affecting international trade and energy supplies.
- The developments are also unfolding amid wider Middle East tensions, including instability around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks affecting regional oil infrastructure and shipping.
